Be prepared early so you are not in a frenzy prior to lecture/demo. If you are set up early you can engage with your students prior to starting which can put both of you at ease and also allows you to have a little personal time with them as they enter the class.
Over prepare yourself so that you feel confident about your lecture and you have extra material if needed.
Hi Anna,
Reviewing is always a good thing for students. It is good to know that you enter class in the right frame of mind.
Patricia
To reduce anxiety, I make sure I plan extra time before the class to review the material. A few minutes before I enter the classroom, I take the time to take deep breathes and clear my mind.
What type of ice breakers do you use?
Hello Carla,
It is important for educators to try to use a very calming approach. We do not need to get the students in a state of panic.
Patricia
I always try to think of exercises to use as ice breakers or to introduce a new chapter/topic for each class, not only to keep myself relaxed, but my students as well. I've noticed that this helps the students not to feel overwhelmed if we are covering a chapter that seems a little intimidating to them. The "calmer" they are, the more relaxed I am during class.
