I overcome them by knowing my material and being very organized. I prepare for a full week before each class, familiarizing myself with new and old material. I access the roster of the students so I can be familiar with their names. I can walk into a class will confidence and knowledge of the material and the students, so I can face what is ahead far better.
Hi Michelle,
Preparation is a must in order to minimize instructor anxiety. When you feel like you are ready, you are less likey to be nervous. As instructors we spend many hours preparing, which is necessary.
Patricia
On the first day of class is when I notice a real ice breaker works. So in order to do that, I always like to talk about my experience in the industry, famous chefs the students can relate to, and that seems to work. If I ever get nervous I just start off with something that is super easy to talk about and gets me in the grove. Always covering your material before your class starts that way it seems second nature when delivering information.
Hi Herschel,
Game plans keep you on point. I use this same tactic, and it has proven to be extremely helpful. You really feel very prepared once the game plan is complete. You have a guide to follow.
Patricia
Hi Ben,
Great points! The students also can feed off of the engergy created by the teacher. Excitement starts from the top, the instructor.
Patricia
Hi James,
Students enjoy learning about current events that pertain to the lesson; they make a connection from the materials.
Patricia
In lectures, I will use current events from industry periodicals for early discussion which can segue into class material.
Have a detailed timeline for the day. Have extensive lecture notes and visuals prepared for the class. Have examples ready for viewing, this takes the focus off the instructor. Start with an icebreaker that will transition into the lesson. Do a jigsaw type group exercise, this will put some of the burden on the class, the instructor can then feed off the energy created by the class.
To reduce anxiety for me I like to write out a game plan for what we are going to do in class that day and share it with the students first thing. This helps me with getting the students envolved for the day.
Hi Angelina,
Preparation is key. Preparation is an automatic connection to organization. It is a nice mesh if you can incorporate humor. A nice laugh from time to time is good for all.
Patricia
Be familiar with the material, don't try to "wing it," have a plan B, and if you make a mistake acknowledge it and move on.
Preparedness,organization and a litlle bit of humor never hurts
Hi Jeremiah,
What type of glitches have you planned for and what were your reactions?
Patricia
Hi Rick,
This is a nice icebreaker. It sounds like you have this under control and know how to divert the students back to the lesson.
Patricia
To reduce anxiety, I often ask the students questions not pertaning to the class for about 5 minutes.
I find that while nothing can replace being thoroughly preparred, expecting there to by some glitches allows you the comfort of planning how you will react.
A strong command of the course material is my best defense. If you know what you're talking about then people will listen!
I normally will go to the driving range and hit a small bucket of balls or do 50 putts. Something about reading a green and being outside clears my head. I think it is the total focus. After that I am able to face my new class.
Just reverse the role and see yourself from the students point.
Having a well-organized lesson plan helps. Once, a seating chart has been made, remember the students' names. Know your lesson inside and out, it will make you feel more confident when teaching the subject matter. Give your students a brief background of your qualifications to teach the class, I think that will assure the students that you know you have acturally been in the field and have experienced the career they are seeking. It also gives makes the confident that you have done what they are trying to achieve. I also make sure I smile and am friendly and open to them. I try and present the class in a way that relaxes them, as well as myself.
