Hi Peggy,
Students feel extra special whenever you know them by name. Every student matters, and we should make a special effort to memorize each student's name.
Patricia
I like to spend some time with the students in a casual way. Ask them something about theirselves and introduce myself and continue on with my experiences in the field and letting them know how the vocation they have chosen is a special one. Ask them why they came into the program. I try then to remember the names and faces.
Whenever i am in the classroom teaching, I always get there early and have my lecture written on the board so I can go over the material before my class arrives. It's something that helps.
One thing an instructor can do to overcome nerves and anxiety is to talk to other instructors that have taught the class before and find out things that have worked for them and things that haven't worked for them.
Over preparing can also help so that you don't find yourself at a loss of activities.
Keep notes everyday of things that worked and things you will change the next time.
Having a daily lesson plan helps you keep track of what you want to accomplish which can help lesson the fear that you might forget something.
Hi Nicky,
I like to make sure I am thoroughly prepared to reduce stress and anxiety.
Patricia
If I find myself feeling jittery, I ask students to go around the room and say the name of an instructor & class who has made an impression on them. Then I lastly say the name & class of an instructor & class that made the biggest impression on me...just by saying their name, I find myself relaxing and in my element! Hopefully, the students feel the same way.
To reduce instructor stress we should have some time to reduce anxiety
When I a teach classes that I've taught before-I always review the content of my lectures prior to every class.
Prepare; prepare; prepare. Stay at least one or two steps ahead of the students!
Your tactics help relieve student anxiety and likely some of your anxiety as well.
Reviewing material, being over prepared, have good notes and be prepared to answer questions. Have confidence in your skill and knowledge and an attitude that you want to share this skill to help others succeed. Don't worry about the "what ifs"
Hi Dorianne,
It makes it much better whenever you are aware of your tendencies, and you make great effort to improve in these areas. Preparation is key!
Patricia
Get to know the students on the first day of the class. I ask the names of the students and their major field. Next we discuss various opportunitity in their field. I never tell my students that my field is superior to other. It will reiieve the anxiety of the students and the instructor and trust of the students will increase.
Prepare, prepare, prepare! Have more material than you need; have back-up assignments or videos, just in case. The more prepared; the less anxiety.
getting to class early and bing overly prepared
Hi Scott,
Great way to reduce anxiety! Preparation is key! Being unprepared is never a good thing--way too much chaos is generated from being unprepared.
Patricia
I am a fidgeter by nature and tend to talk fast when I am nervous and unfortunately even my voice rises - and most have no trouble hearing me on a regular day. Being aware of my tendicies I try to anticipate when I may be in situations that aggrevate these tendencies, I prepare any materials I am expected to know/cover in advance and practice deep breathing as well as make a conscious effort to pace myself - often looking toward the back of the room to observe expressions (can they hear me - are they leaning forward). For me this is an ongoing work in progress that becomes easier as I keep it in practice.
I reduce my anxiety in a new class by ensuring that my lectures and all materials needed for the class (syllabus, handouts, etc.) are prepared for at least the first several class meetings.
The first technique I use is 1st admitting to myself that I am anxious. Next I always take a few minutes to breath and reassure myself that I am only human. I greet everyone with a smile and be sure to really keep real and yet professional.
Hi Pereze,
Preparation is key! I alwasys prepare a week in advanced.
Patricia
