Pre always makes the difference. You can be a brand new teacher, however, if you KNOW the material and understand what the Outcomes are, it's not that hard. Have a checklist (syllabus) and make sure you follow it.
Don't ever fake it. Be natural and admit a mistake. If you don't know the answer, say so, look it up, get right back to the class. Don't make them responsible for finding it. You are the SME.
When people have a better knowledge or ask you hard quesions its a real quick way to get public speaking down. It makes you prepare for the "what if's" and how to manage the situation.
Being prepared is the key, it is also helpful to practice the lectures ahead of time. Doing this will help slow things down so your students do not feel lost.
Hi Blossie,
Having the opportunity to team teach is great, but if that opportunity does not present itself you must PREPARE thoroughly! Preparation is key!
Patricia Scales
An important method of reducing new instructor anxiety is too permit team teaching in initial classes.
Hi Lesa,
Preparation is a must, and everyone enjoys a good laugh.
Patricia Scales
Be very prepared and use humor
Hi Taryn,
Commericals that are humorous, yet applicable to the lesson are great!
Patricia Scales
Hi Kari,
Preparation is key! I like how you bring a lot of visual into your lessons! Most students are visual learners.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kari!
I also use commercials...the funnier the better! They are great ice breakers and transitions into the main topics.
The KISS rule is very effective: Keep It Short and Simple. As often as I can, I turn dicussions over to the students, have them share what they know. If all I do is facilitate good behavior and referee constuctive feedback, there's not a lot I have to worry about.
I admit it wasn't always like that. I've learned how to manage prep time a lot better and remember that it's not all about ME. (maybe a little :P)
Preparing for lecture working out the PowerPoint presentation before it is delivered to the students. Having great photo's and maybe embedding a video, using a commercial is great also.
Hi Edward,
Great idea to try to improve in those areas that are not your strong suit.
Patricia Scales
I have found that prep work helps, but also knowing that you are not going to be perfect. As you go through a course you will need to write the areas you need to improve. I also have learned to go back over those areas so your students get the best understanding of the material. In most cases you reflect on the day, so you know what approach you can bring the following day.
Hi John,
Awwesome! You do a fine job of preparing yourself to minimize instructor anxiety. Continue to be on top of your game.
Patricia Scales
Hi Connie,
I too have seen instructors go into the classroom unprepared. I do not understand, why in the world will you walk into a classroom unprepared.
Patricia Scales
To reduce classroom anxiety I list the order of topics to be covered, highlighting key words and page numbers in the textbooks.
I look at the current attendance roster and pronounce all the names and try to associate where the student is sitting and what they look like.
I try to keep separate two-pocket folders for (1) the current day's work and (2) a folder of copies of previous assignment handouts.
Using clips or rubber bands or post-its to group separate assignments helps keep me organized.
I write "today's topics" on the board and in a separate place, the homework that has been assigned and the date it is due. Reinforcement of homework due by listing it on the board in a separate place from the day's activities is useful in case we get caught up in the lesson and I forget to remind the students.
Some of the ways I prepare for a new class or subject, are being on time, know the material, review the information you are about to present.
I know it sound like a no-brainer, but I have seen instructors put on the spot by students because they were presenting new material and the instructor had no idea what it was.
Taking deep breaths and having positive mental conversation.
Being prepared is the most important to reduce anxiety, to prepare for a lesson, I research information that is new to me, so im able to feel confident when giving the students knowledge.
