While being prepared as much as possible is the most obvious way to reduce stress. I remind myself that I too am human and will make errors. Also, when I don't have an immediate answer to a student's question, I make sure I let them know I will get back to them after I've done some research. I explain to the student that I want to make sure he/she is getting the most accurate answer.
My first year teaching....wow. It was stressful and yes, I wondered how my students would view me as a new teacher. What helped me alot was telling stories of my own career, how I handled situations we were studying, and this showed my students that although I did not have the textbook memorized, I did know what I was talking about due to my years in the profession. That helped me gain their confidence and trust
I look over my lecture a couple times and try to focus on the things that I'm a little shakey on. I then focus on those and by the time I'm ready to present, I'm well prepared.
Hi Reinaldo,
Preparation is key! Preparation is definitely the key to success.
Patricia Scales
Could not be more right, prepare, prepare, prepare. Preparedness will make you feel confident and less stressed about possible questions coming back to you.
Hi Kimberley,
Preparation is key! Get with seasoned instructors for pointers, and do not stress. Just always stay a day ahead of your students, do not try to learn the entire course at one time. Use weekends to get ahead. You can do it.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kimberley,
Preparation is key! Get with seasoned instructors for pointers, and do not stress. Just always stay a day ahead of your students, do not try to learn the entire course at one time. Use weekends to get ahead. You can do it.
Patricia Scales
that is why I am so nervous. I have to be totally prepared and I am starting my first teaching position wihtout knowing what subject I will teach. I am doing the best I can to learn the basics of areas I think I will teach. My main strategy right now is praying I will have prep time before my first class.
There is nothing like preparedness. I have told many speech students, "Everyone is afraid to get up there and begin speaking, however, remember they are here to hear you. In their mind, you are already knowledgeable. BE KNOWLEDGEABLE! Be prepared and the rest will fall into place."
Katherine: Even after teaching a number of different courses multiple times, I STILL find myself reviewing and revising such things as my notes, and using real-world examples as needed (to keep current and contemporary) in addition to revamping or restructuring (through reflection of what worked well and what didn't) various classroom learning activities. It's not that I "like" doing all (this) work; I just hate the feeling or sense of being "unprepared"! I think only teachers may realize how much more OUT of class work time and preparation there is in contrast to the actual time spent IN class!
I try to make sure that any handouts I need for the class are made the day before. If not, and if I am stopped by a student for help prior to class, I find myself unprepared at class start...I HATE to turn a student away if they've taken the time to come to me for assistance.
Hi Karen,
Preparation is a must! Students will rake you over the coals if you are unprepared.
Patricia Scales
Being a new instructor my anxiety level was extreme. I did my best to prepare myself for my first lecture. I made sure that I had an activity for learning the names and concerns of my students. I read the chapter I was going to teach, I highlighted the chapter, reviewed the power points and added some stories. My preparation was key to my first semester success.
Hi Jessica,
You do a fine job of preparing! Continue doing what you are doing, before long you will not be nervous.
Patricia Scales
As stated in the tutorial, I always over plan. THat way you dont run out of things to do before class time ends. Also I write a lesson plan so I can organize my thoughts and the procedure that I will use to teach the material. I also create a to to list for each class and as each task is completed, I check it off to make sure that I get in my most important points throughout my lesson. If I am teaching a concept that I have never taught before, I pick the brains of fellow teachers to see what they have done in the past when teaching that concept and I also research on the internet to find new and interesting ideas. Although I make sure I am prepared, I still always seem to feel jittery when it is my first time teaching a particular topic. I guess that is natural though.
Prep work is so important to me. It really helps with any anxiety I may have when starting class. I also give extra time to go over the areas I'm less familiar with.
Hi Diana,
Great pointers to minimizing anxiety. Preparation is key! Great confidence is built from being prepared.
Patricia Scales
Understand and know the topic you are instructing on. Review yur materials and be prepared. take a deep breath and know that you are human. Smile and relax !!!!
Talking with other instructors and getting their advice has helped greatly. If unsure about how a class is going to go checking over the lesson plan with another instructor has made me feel more comfortable.
I listen to video lectures on weekends on the upcoming lecture that I will give. I also have detailed instructor notes.
