Hi Stan,
Being comfortable with anything is a sure way to miminize anxiety. Confidence is key as well.
Patricia
Hi Amanda,
Students need to know that even though we are their instructor, we are personaable and approachable. They need to know that they can come to us about anything.
Patricia
Over-prepare material, make notes about what did or did not work and how you can improve upon the lesson next time. Try to include references about your practical experience with a topic either while working in the field, interning or going to school.
Try to make eye contact with each and every student. Try not to bury yourself in your notes or presentation and simply "read" your material. Take long breaths! Start a class discussion on a topic which relates to your course. Make sure you are not going too fast and that you exude confidence. If you do not know the answer to a student question, do not try to "fake it". Tell them you don't know and then make sure you find out the answer and follow up with the class. Teaching a class can be compared to a performing on stage. Keep doing it! The anxiety will subside.
review your notes before class time, introduce yourself so that they feel that you are approachable
By getting to know something about the students individually the teacher will decrease the fear and star relating better to the student.
I think that by simple introductions and explaining about you expertise in your particular field can help to reduce that stress at the beginning. The introductions will sart a conversation in the classroom that involves everyone which will in turn make the environment feel more comfortable. If you are explaning about your expertise, you are on a comfortable topic for yourself which reduces stress also.
Hi Antonio,
Absolutely! Ownership is important when teaching. You have to convince your students you know the material.
Patricia
The number one thing has to be: being properly prepared.
Prepare in advance as much as you possibly can. Then, you won't have to worry about prepping for one class at a time.
The most effective way I have had in reducing pre-class anxiety is to overprepare for the course. I am much more confident in my teaching when I have studied the material, reviewed my lectures, and know that I have "extra" activities or material to present in class if one of the activities or discussions takes less time than expected. I feel that preparation is the best way to reduce this anxiety!
I dealt with this at the very beginning but the key to overcoming this is to be prepared and own the topic that you have to discuss whether in a lecture or presentation before an audience.
Hi Ernest,
When you arrive to class early and get set up, you certainly reduce your anxiety level. Preparation is key.
Patricia
Hi Mary,
Preparation is key! Once your capabilities as an instructor are discredited it is hard to regain credibility. Keep your credibility by being a true professional in all areas.
Patricia
I find that arriving extra-early to class helps - it gives me the chance to lay out all my materials, check, double-check, and even recheck that I have everything I need in the quantities I need. It means I can reboot problematic computers, test the projector, etc. In short - it gives me a chance to deal with many of the worrisome "what-ifs" that are always there, leaving me with less to worry about and noticeably more at ease.
Stay organized! Make certain that you have your class schedule, syllabus, and prospectus outlined ahead of time so that you will be ready to cover the material and not be making changes or corrections that will discredit your capabilities.
Hi Liset,
It is important to share with students on Day 1 your background. Students are more at ease whenever they know you are well qualified for the position.
Patricia
Hi Roger,
It is time consuming, but once it is done you can always refer back to it, and you can critique it as you see fit. Great preparation brings about great results.
Patricia
I prepare for each class by creating an outline on the materials to cover in class, such as lecture, labs, power points, etc. In this manner, I can estimate per hour how much time I have to cover the materials using the available tools. This has helped me to be more prepared, and overcome any doubts that I may have about student perception. Of course, I use the syllabus to create each outline. This process does take time, but it is worth it.
Patricia
Even though I have been teaching for a number of years, I don't sleep well the night before a new term start. I have discussed this with my coworkers and they say that they have the same problem. I have told myself that I will be dealing with new students and I am prepared for that. However, this is what has actually worked for me to make me less anxious. I have a very detailed syllabus, an agenda for each class which I post on the board at the start of class, and individuals student lecture guides for each lecture for the students to follow my lectureand write in the blanks. My lecture notes have personal comments written all over them because I try to track interesting student questions and comment from past classes. I also try to over prepare by including several different learning style activities into each class. My key to reduce anxiety is preparation.
you must be well prepared your subject before the class
you must prepare a lesson plane
you may rehursal your lecture before the time of the class
creat a good relationship with your class based on respect and understanding
Start off with some questions. What brought them there? What are their interests? These are good ic breakers and there may come back and ask you some things they will help so show your knowledge of the subject but also make them fell comfortable as well.
