Reducing instructor anxiety
What are some ways to overcome pre-class nerves and anxiety?
Know that they are coming to that class because they don't know it or they don't know it well enough. Confidence in yourself.
Let your personality show as you teach.
If you try to cookie cutter yourself you will be rigid and cold.
Do this in the proper guidelines and stay focused on your class objectives and you will feel quite a bit better, more at ease with yourself.
Hi Brenda,
Positive-self talk is key! You can either calm yourself with positive-self talk or put yourself in a state of panic with negative-self talk. Continue to strive for perfection, and you will be just fine. Preparation is must to reducing anxiety!
Patricia Scales
I agree with this comment. I focus on questions that may be asked to prepare myself for difficult questions
Preparation is definately the first step. Also praciticing at home, in front of a mirror or in front of a family member. One thing I learned from a mentor is to take a deep breath and tell yourself 3 positive things about yourself outloud. Such as... "I can do this", "I am smart", and "I love myself." This boosts your spirits and calms your nerves. It sounds silly, but really does work!
Embark on the opportunity to visit other classrooms, take notes on the instructors teaching method, presentation, control of class, and student participation.
I try to incorporate a little comic relief in my lecture when things get heavy. Students seem to appreciate this.
Hi Kurtis,
Preparation is key! It works better when you are prepared!
Patricia Scales
Review your lesson plans before starting the class. If there are any topics you have difficulty with as an instructor, utilize different materials to teach such as power points, videos,handouts, and then follow up with open discussion.
I do the same thing. When I prepare it helps me not only relax, but to be more confident. I also get a better feel for how long the presentaton should take when I am not rushing.
I practice with my family. I feel if I can capture their attention I will make it in any class!
This is great material! I wish I had gone through this online instruction as I was being teaching, it would have helped so much!
I agree with everyone (and this course) regarding preparation. Being "overprepared" certainly helps. When I started teaching (just a year ago), I spent long hours on powerpoint slides and practicing what I was going to say during the lecture. I am constantly working to improve my slides as well...I know that they can always be improved.
One thing that helps me is to have at least one topic in the lecture that you are really excited about...that you can't wait to bring up. Sometimes it is a good animation clip that I've discovered, or just some good photos or diagrams that I can share. Sometimes it's a news report of an outbreak of some rare disease (I teach Microbiology after all), or a recent advance in research. If I can be super-excited about at least one point in the lecture, it helps. It's never hard to find such things...I've just got to remember to include them in my presentation in a way that complements the lesson at hand.
Wow, wish I could do that. I'll try it...but by getting things arranged, I'm thinking about class prep, aren't I? I'm not sure how you manage that mental trick.
I've been keeping papers in folders in a portable file box, but I've seen other instructors use binders and I think I'll try that...seems like a good way to go.
The best way to overcome pre-class nerves and anxiety is preparation, preparation, preparation. When I am proactive, prepared, and knowledgable of the subject matter to be presented, I am less nervous and more confident. It also helps to have practice runs on the presentation, either alone silently or in front of a friend/peer, or family member.
Hi Lindsey,
Great point! Even instructors need time to get ready for the day. I like getting to work 30 minutes before everyone else so that I can get myself together.
Patricia Scales
I have found that being in the classroom before students helps to eliminate anxiety. I write down a few thoughts and ideas and sometimes play a song i like and it helps me focus on my class. I am able to greet students as they enter.
Hi Christina,
No one knows it all. Let them know that you do not know, but you will find out, and at the next class meeting share the answer.
Patricia Scales
I agree. One of the things I worry about is not having an answer, but the reality is that the answers aren't always right there. Also, I think that actually following through with a student and getting that answer to them shows them that you're dedicated to their learning.
