I always try to bring the real world back into the classroom, if I am nervous or a student, I use it as a tool to teach them on the importance of pushing through the hard challenges.
Being properly prepared is the number one way of reducing anxiety and having enough material to present.
I agree wholeheartedly! Preparation is the key! I haven't allowed myself to be unprepared yet... but I sure do notice the difference when I don't "fully" prepare. For lack of a better way to put it - I feel "lost".
Besides overpreparing for the class, I introduce myself to the students and discuss my experience. Afterwards I have all students do the same. Getting to know my students a little better makes me feel more at ease.
Hi Carolyn,
You sound so much like myself. What an awesome response! I can tell your students love you, respect you, and appreciate you.
Patricia
Practice, practice, practice, the more you comfortable you are with the material you are going to cover the less nervous you will be about the delivery.
Hi Deborah,
What have you utilized in the past to reduce instructor anxiety?
Patricia
Hi Carl,
Seasoned instructors are an excellent resource. Their brain is certainly worth picking.
Patricia
Be prepared. Be confident. Develop a comprehensive plan and discuss the plan with more experienced instructors.
Hi LeeAnne,
If it works for you, use it! Just make sure you do get to your topic within a timely manner.
Patricia
Hi Michael,
Preparation is key! Also being organized is a great strategy as well to reduce instructor anxiety.
Patricia
This does help to get the students attention and I will then use the topic to move into the lecture or point I am trying to make.
This works great when you can I have been working under such an overload of classes. I can barely keep up with the grading.
I think one of the best ways of reducing anxiety before class is exercise. The most important thing is being prepared but once that is done the rest is up to the individual and what gets them in their zone. We all have different ways of exercising so whether its running, walking, biking, or tennis take time before class to exercise. It's also a good time to review what you will be doing in class. Exercise keeps the body and the mind sharp.
I feel that one way to deal with anxiety is to start the class off by talking about what is going on in the world. Having conversations of what is going on in the news is a great way to ease into my topics.
My belief is that there is a mental preparation that all instructors must do. Instructors must think about the following:
go in excited with a positive attitude about what they are about to embark on; envision the upcoming course in terms of having fun while getting business done; plan to be strong willed yet able to acquiesce to any given situation; plan to be pleasant and personable, but be vigilant enough to be able to be firm when the need arises never missing a beat staying the course and remaining professional.
Take a deep breath and dive in!!:)
Being well-prepared is essential. Have a clear idea of what you will teach and give the students that same clear idea. If the timetable says that A,B and C will be covered today, make sure you have prepared for at least D as well! Or maybe throw in a pop quiz, reflection exercise or group exercise.
Hi Richard,
Preparation is key! Show students that your ready, prepared, knowledgeable, professional, and organized.
Patricia
An ice breaker not only would calm the students down but also would make me relaxed.
Practice going over the daily, class onjectives.
