Hi Sherri,
Preparation is a must, and it will certainly ease the nerves.
Patricia Scales
When i first started teaching my nerves got the best of me, then I started to be more prepared and if there was some lecture that was unfamilar to me, I would research to feel more confident.
I have a few things that I do for this. First of all I do at least one run through of the class, sort of like a rehearsal. I also like to make myself a simple outline of the topics I'd like to cover that da
My first day I was very anxious. I think doing an introduction of myself including my past professional experience, my favorite parts of the job and what i was looking forward to in future classes helped curb that anxiety.
I like to take deep breaths and realize that new students are in the same place I am. They are new to the program, the school, or even the college setting. They are going to be nervous as well.
With this understanding I can then walk into class better understand where they are coming from so it is now my job not only to teach them but to ease their nerves. Taking this approach helps me to realize that we are all in this together and we will get through it together.
I also rationalize that the worst possible thing that can happen is I get a bad review from a student. This will only coach me in directions for me to improve as an instructor, therefore it is only a win-win situation for me and I no longer have reason to feel nervous!
I believe that going over class material and making sure that you are well prepared for it is the first step to help reduce this anxiety. I as well had a problem speaking in front of others. I found it easier for me that when i walked into class and said good morning from the back of the room and carried on a short conversation with the class as I was walking forward, this seemed to ease my tension.
Hi Arthur,
That's right! Life happens to us all, but when we step foot in the building we need to forget about our personal problems and give our students everything that we have in the classroom.
Patricia Scales
Students are the same as the instructor. The have issues and problems. An instructor needs to remember they are in charge and are the expert in the in the classroom. Instructors need to leave issues outside the classroom and enjoy the position of being an instructor.
Always try to be very well prepared and be sure to have a lot more material prepared than you will actually need. If using power points, they can be very helpful in refreshing one's memory!
My instructor anxiety decreased according to the amount of time I spent preparing for each class I taught. The more prep time the easier the lecture.
Prepare and practice beforehand. Do the work you are asking the students to do. Note the time it takes to do, and then double or triple that amount. I have found that by doing this I can develop a realistic expectation of time needed for what I want to accomplish. This relieves a lot of anxiety about "Do I have enough, or do I have too much?" Also, by doing the work I can see "problems/opportunities" that may occur when a student faces the work.
Hi Ronald,
That's right! It is human nature to be nervous! Just let the students know/see that you are prepared, confident, professional, knowledgeable, and caring.
Patricia Scales
No matter how much we prepare, there will always be a little nervousness when we start the course. We walk into a room full of new faces and won't be comfortable that first time. But getting to know the students' names as well as their background will help. Preparation is also key, because the better prepared the instructor is, the less likely he or she is to make mistakes. That first class is always a good time get to know the students as well as introduce oneselves as the content experts we are.
Hi Todd,
Great response! The better prepared you are, the less nervous you are, and your confidence level increases.
Patricia Scales
Hi Christie,
I like your idea of being ready for your students. Preparation is a must!
Patricia Scales
Hi John,
You are definitely on point! Preparation is key!
Patricia Scales
Hi Tom,
You must believe in yourself in order to have very high confidence. Preparation is a must!
Patricia Scales
The number one thing is preparation. Always prepare more than you think you will need. Having plenty of already prepared material to fall back on is key.
Also, just try to relax. If your background is in the business world, look at this as just another business meeting. Students are not the enemy, they want to like you, they want you to teach them. They wouldn't be there if they didn't want you to impart your knowledge to them.
I like coming 15 min early. I review materials for that day and reassure myself that I have valuable information and knowledge to give my students.
One method I use - when I leave my house for the college, I start to visualize what I want for the class period - rehash some of the lecture and presentation mentally, review questions I want to ask, etc. By the time I get to the school, I'm usually ready to go. Another thing: if you have prepared well, sometimes anxiety should be reinterpreted. An anxious feeling can be a sign that you "can't wait" to get down to business in the classroom, and that passion can be potentially harnessed and conveyed in your presentation.
