To reduce anxiety, i show up early for class to ensure that any media I'm using is working properly.
For me, preparation was key. I was hired a few weeks before class started, and I had a lot of on-line classes & tests, as well as lots of paperwork to fill out before I could begin prepping for my 2 classes. Once I completed all the requirements, I read the texts my classes would use, highlighted the things I wanted to include in lecture, wrote very detailed syllabi, and printed out an agenda & list of class assignments & due dates.
My 1st class period, I was very nervous. I'm not sure how much of it showed, but when I let the students go on break, I was in a panic trying to figure out what to do when they returned- I'd already gone through the intro, ice-breaker, syllabus, & chap 1 lecture in an hr. All I had left that was prepared was the chap 2 lecture, and I still had 1 1/2 hrs left! So when they came back, I showed them a video that I had planned for the next class period, then spent a lot more time on Chap 2 than it deserved.
My other class went much better. I paced myself and got through everything without rushing or dragging it out. I gave the students plenty of time to ask questions, and I felt I had done a really great job by the end of the class period.
Since then, I have prepared everything for at least 2 class sessions ahead of time, though I haven't needed to use it. I feel more confident in my ability to teach my students. I think a lot of the battle was won when we went over the syllabus with all the classroom expectations. I expect my students to behave as adults, and I treat them with respect. As a result, they treat me & my classroom with respect as well. -Jeanne
It helps to remember that even though you are the SME, it doesn't mean that you have to know everything. Acknowledging that there are students in the class that have a wealth of knowledge and experience helps to let the students know that the classroom experience is one of mutual learning. Obviously, it is incumbent on us as professional educators to stay on top of developments in our field but it is not a big deal if you don't have every answer. Also, I totally disagree with the idea that we if don't know the answer to a question that we should have students look if up on the internet and bring the answer to the next class. That is lazy!!!
Hi Rolando,
You take your job very seriously! I can tell you go into class 100% prepared. Kudos!
Patricia
As a new online instructor, I "rehearse" my upcoming presentations in my head. For me, I find that pacing around the house, I can "see" my perfomance in my brain; how I am presenting the material. It drives my wife crazy, but in the end, she understands why I am doing the pacing. As a retired military officer, I have been trained to plan and respond to every and any contingency. In the immortal words of GySgt. Highway (Clint Eastwood, Heartbreak Ridge movie), "We overcome, we improvise, we adapt". That is how I manage my nerves; by being ready for the unexpected. In the online learning venue, I have found that time is of the essence. The lack of "physical presence" and "physical interaction" makes this teaching "operandus" very challenging. Therefore, I strive to prepare myself to bring to my students a detailed, interesting and fun presentation everytime I bring my "live chats" online. Preparation makes my nerve issues disappear.
Hi Elizabeth,
Students simply do not want to hear just the theory in the book. Students want, need, and appreciate whenever the instructor can share life experiences pertaining to the topic.
Patricia
I first hat to realize that I was the instructor yand was giving a gift of mu unique expertise, experience, and understanding of the subject.
Then I had to realize that not every student would appreciate, understand or even accept that gift.
With good preparation and bring in more than just the words in the textbook, you can increase their interest.
It is also important to remeber that often time they are reacting to the teacher and the role of the teacher, not you personally or individually.
Hi Andre,
You definitely have the upper hand on some inexperienced instructors. It sounds like you can bring in a lot of your personal experiences in the field to share with your students. Students love hearing personal stories pertaining to the subject matter.
Patricia
Tanya,
Ice-breakers are a proven way to calm anxiety! They help to show there is a 'human' side to the instructor.
Hello Instructor Scales,
A way to overcome pre-class nerves and anxiety is to be well-prepared for each class meeting. Being prepared and well-versed in the subject matter helps to soothe the nerves and build confidence in knowledge that will be disseminated to students in class.
At the start of my instructor career, I felt that I was inexperienced. To overcome this, I kept telling myself that I had quite a bit of knowledge accquired throughout my time in the industry and furthermore, I was often viewed as the "go-to" person when an inexperienced apprentice was hired by my place of employment. It helped me to realize that, although I had never taught in a "classroom" setting, I had in fact given industry based instruction in the past, as well as having a wealth of industry experience that could now be shared with my students. To pace my lectures, I try to pause and ask questions around the class in regards to the material that I'm discussing. In order to effectively ask pertinent questions, I find that I must be constantly aware of which parts of a discussion I'd like to emphasize and where in my lecture it stands. Often, I'll cite examples of the information as they relate to situations I've encountered in the industry.
Hi Shelina,
When you are in public, pretend the audience is your class. This helps ease the anxiety.
Patricia
Hi Robert,
Teaching is definitely my passion! I absolutely love it!
Patricia
Hi Jessica,
I've used this for years, and it really works!
Patricia
This is a great idea. I will use this in an upcoming module start.
I believe that people are called to be teachers. We teach usually becuase it is something we care about. We care about either the student or the subject or even both. So go out and have fun, and talk about something you are passionate about.
I find this funny! I am unable to speak in public… but when in a classroom I am different. I am able to talk and instruct with an unfound ease. My main concern has always been time. Not having enough time or having wasted time. I like the idea given in the course as to double the time in prep.
The best antidote for pre-class nerves is advanced preparation. Start preparing for your classes weeks ahead of time. Think through lecture material and the way you will present it. Go through the class activities and imagine yourself as a student --try to think of ways to improve. Have the necessary material organized and accessible. Search out and have on hand supplemental material (don't forget to credit your sources) that will help you to "flesh out" the topic for better understanding.
I use comedy with real life experiences and I focus on the students anxiety. RElieves mine
Always above everything, be well prepared. Study the material you will be going over with students throught lectures. Begin by asking a question that is relevent to the topic, that is always a great ice breaker.
