You shouldn't be anxious. You are the subject expert. every student in the room is waiting for you to enlighten them. Channel that nervousness into adrenalin and be dynamic! You can do it.
The best way to reduce instructor stress is to let a new instructor that you are available to talk with some issues they are having in the class room then offfer for them to set in on one of the classes you are instructiiong to help them get some ideas that they can use in the calsses they are teaching
Although I have been in the classroom for a year, I remain nervous and anxious.I feel like I'm in a fishbowl so I studder a bit and forget my place. It really throws me off to look at the students
Being prepared has been the best help for me. So I can find my place if I look back at my materials.
Shadowing/observation is an effective way to let new instructors get comfortable in the classroom.
I think having the instructors observe other instructors prior to being in the class on their own helps tremendously. This introduces them to a variety of teaching styles and also alleviates anxiety to a degree because they have an idea of how the classroom should be managed.
Thank you, reading your energetic response gave me confidence, support, and inspiration. It reflects leadership to what a great teacher can do to motivate others.
The best way to overcome pre-class nerves and anxiety is to realize that you know more than every other person, student, in your class. The reason that they are in your class is for you to provide them with information that you have inside.
It seems trite, but that is the fact. You are there for the benefit of your students and they thirst for the knowledge you present. Be confident. If you are unprepared, the fault lies with you, and is rectified by preparation.
Everything else, is just anxiousness, which you can tranlate into energy that you need to be dynamic in the class.
Don't fear, you are the expert.
Hi Ramona,
I have found that knowledge has to go above and beyond the theory in the book. Students tend to understand whenever you can make theory real, by sharing experiences/stories.
Patricia
My first teaching position was two years after graduation. It was fortunate because must of what I learned was fresh in my mind. Still I anguished over preparation. You are right being abundantly was so useful! Each class has at least one question that requires more than the standard book answer.
Hi Reginald,
Nothing is more frustrating than to have a very knowledgeable instructor, but the instructor does not know how to break the information down to a student's level. As intructor's we must know how to reach our students.
Patricia
I will always use this befor class starts so people will see that they are not in this on their own. I will also have them introduce themslves to the class mate beside them,so they do not have class room jitters.
The biggest is know the material very well and be confident in your knowledge and experience because it is there, you just have to learn how to bring it forward and explain it so students understands.
Hi Dana,
What a great way to begin to create a bond by doing introductions on the very first day.
Patricia
I agree introductions are key and icebreakers are a fun way to reduce the anxiety everyone is feeling the first class; whetther it's behind the podium or in the audience.
Hi Jule,
Very thorough techniques utilized to minimize anxieity. Preparation is key, and you have to let your students know that you mean what you say, and you say what you mean.
Patricia
Hi Mak,
Teaching is teaching. As long as you are prepared, professional, organized, knowledgeable, and fair you will be just fine.
Patricia
I have taught clincal and lab classes for almost 20 year and not yet had an opportunity to teach a formal class room teaching. I am anxious and have second thoughts, are there any suggestions?
Preparation of course, and setting the stage. I always give the students a brief review of my educational and work background and ask them the same. This gives me a little breathing room and gives me more than a name to associate with each student. I review the syllabus IN DETAIL, allowing plenty of time to stress key dates, review some study tips and explain how the class will work. I encourage students to ask questions and share what they hope to learn in the class. I also make an unofficial seating chart to help me remember names.
Hi Jessica,
I am sure you have realized, the more you teach, the more comfortable you become. Always remember, preparation is essential.
Patricia
When I started off teaching, I was very nervous and anxious. I wasnt sure if I had the skill set or personality to teach. But once I started to do the introductions, things fell into place and classes became a lot easier to manage without anxiety.
