Hi Angelia,
A prepared/organized instructor is an effective instructor. When you are prepared, you're ready, and the anxiety definitely decreases.
Patricia
To reduce instructor anxiety and be an effective instructor the qualities I attempt to fall back on is maintaining my professional integrity, appearance, and being organized and prepared for the days lecture. Then start the day with an icebreaker (role-play based on scenario or skill practice).
Hi Richard,
Nice response! Preparation is key. It is always best to have too much than not enough. I can tell you are well prepared for class.
Patricia
The most effective way is to make sure you are prepared for the class. Have more activities, material, etc. than would be typically needed for the time allotment. Have some discussion questions prepared ahead of time. Have various learning elements prepared; video clips, case study question, etc. The more you are prepared ahead of time, the more relaxed you will be with the class.
This is indeed the best remedy. Being organized & prepared leaves no downtime for your anziety. Also, let the students get involved in the topic of discussion. This may alleviate that you are the only one responsible for speaking during class & that feeling that you have to keep the studetns occupied or entertained. Good luck! :)
By preparing prior to class, ie: if I have a lecture, I read the lecture, prepare questions, and make sure to be ready for answers, if I can't answer a certain question, I will tell the student or the class I will get back to them as soon as I have done my research.
Hi Kevin,
It sounds like you really prepare for your classes; great job! It is important to get to class early to make sure technical equipment is working properly just in case you need to come up with a Plan B.
Patricia
I also use this technique in the classroom. I start the first class with an ice breaker in order to get to know the students, for them to get to know each other, and for them to release some anxiety about the class. This also helps reduce teaching anxiety the first day by focusing on the students. Continually through the course, I find it helpful to interject small exercises that help the students to connect the material and understand the significance. This relieves the tension for instructors who get questioned on why the students must learn the material. I would have to add that preparation and having enough material to adequately cover the class are also essential. I tend to bring in supplemental work and ideas that can be used to extend the learning.
Hi, Patricia!
I'm glad you have had success with this icebreaker. I used it again last night and my students really enjoyed it. A few even formed new friendships. This activity is a really great way for students to learn things about each other and gets them talking.
Hi Annie,
What a great way to get to know your students and your students get to know each other. When everyone is comfortable the environment is a lot less stress free.
Patricia
Hi Randy,
You are absolutely correct! Preparation is key! Preparation and organization make for a less stressful environment.
Patricia
The best way to reduce anxiety is to rehearse your material. Making a list of everything required for your class and testing all technical equipment is also important. The more prepared and organized you are as an instructor the smoother the class will go.
For me I try to be prepared and organized so that I'm not struggling to try and do things during class. It makes the day go a lot smoother and less hectic.
As I am taking role, which helps to learn the names on the first day, I ask them to tell the rest of the class a little about themselves, what brought them to my class and to the program. The other students learn a little about their fellow classmate, I do to, and everyone seems more comfortable.
Hi Tammy,
I have tried this icebreaker as well, and students enjoy it. I have had a few students to really become good friends by doing this icebreaker. They found out they had a lot in common.
Patricia
Hi Amy,
I've done an icebreaker that allowed each student had to tell something unique about themselves. Students really do enjoy this icebreaker. The icebreaker is a super conversation piece.
Patricia
Tammy,
You can do silly "ice breaker" activities such as the birth month, field of study... These are simple and take very little time to prep. Not to mention these easy "ice breakers" make students feel more comfortable knowing they don't have to perform something unknown.
I have used various types silly ones such as the birth month, find another person with the same birth month. This gets students talking about what day they were born and what their sign is. A lot of times it's the simple "ice breakers" that work the best. There really isn't any added pressure for students to perform or wonder will I know the answer to the ice breaker or will I be able to do the challenge.
One icebreaker that I like to use for the first day of class is an interview period. I have the students break up into groups of two or three and they interview each other for about 15 minutes. This gets them talking to each other. I always request that they interview someone that they don't know. After they interview each other, they then have to present what they found out to the class. After that, they get the chance to interview me.
Hi Dr. Rhonda,
It is important to have a backup plan to fill the class period. I like the idea of over preparing. I know of some instructors to have two days worth of work on any given day...just in case.
Patricia
