When I was a very young 2nd lieutenant, my commander made me attend Toastmasters for 6 months in order for me to correct my fear of public speaking (and fear of briefing high ranking officers or grizzled old sergeants who loved to take on the new lieutenant). I feel that this was one of the most valuable training I have had as an instructor facing a new class. It allows me to competently prepare, both myself and my syllabus, for especially the first day, and to be able to perform professionally during the class. It stood me well in the military, as an adjunct lecturer at the university, and now in a career college.
I highly recommend Toastmasters for any instructor or teacher.
One way to get over pre class nerves is to remember that you are prepared, practiced and have the knowledge and experience to be a good instructor.
I tried to read my chapters ahead of time so that I know what am talking about.
Communicate with your department so you can get clear expectations and guidelines and then over-prepare for your classes until you get in the groove and get some experience under your belt. after that, you still need to prepare, but you can use your time for other issues instead of over-preparing lessons.
A properly executed orientation is an effective way to prepare instructors for the classroom environment.
Hi William,
I also think some anxiety is good because it can make the instructor thoroughly prepare for the class.
Patricia Scales
This is great advice. Being prepared for class always helps relieve anxiety.
In my mind the best thing is to have all the nessary education matreial needed
I would agree that preparation is the key to lowering anxiety. Familiarity with the material to be presented and an interest in the material also lowers apprehension. However, some anxiety is good as it helps to increase instructor awareness and energy before a difficult presentation.
I'm with the boy scouts on this one: BE PREPARED! It's good to have one or two extra activities in case one doesn't work. I'm a natural jokester, so humor helps as well. It takes a while, but eventually you learn it's good to laugh at yourself - I use humor to get past a goof and get the class back on task.
I would not feel right if I were not totally prepared for a class. This preparation does get easier with experience. Now, if I have to conduct a 3 hour class, I know how much material I can cover up to the last minute of class time. Fortunately, in our program we have time for proper preparation. I was told when I began teaching in this program that it would take 2-3 years to feel comfortable and I believe that is about right. The comfort level allows me to make changes that will benefit the students in their learning conquest. New instructors are much more rigid.
to help reduce anxiety is to come to class prepared and focus on the material.
Hi Terrance,
Great approach to have! Preparation is key!
Patricia Scales
You have to know your class topics. If you don't feel comfortable in the topic you are teaching you will never be stress free. Having the information and knoweledge to teach the subject is what makes a teacher feel less anxious.
Hello,
I agree being prepared helps that is my approach.
Hi Casey,
I agree! Lessons plans are a must in order to ensure a smooth flow. Students can tell when you are unprepared.
Patricia Scales
I take a few minutes to go over my first day notes. I come to class early to do this. Also I agree that being prepared goes a long way in reducing anxiety.
I agree completly that you have to be prepared. Me and my husband teach the youth at our church and on several occasions after a long day at work, we are both unprepared for a night with a bunch of teens and that really isn't fun and it makes for a very long night. In class, it is the same way, if the information is not set up in order to have a smooth flow, the atmosphere is awkward and the students get frustrated.
Some ways to overcome pre-class nerves is to be organized, prepared, and familar with the lesson.
I have found that being prepared is crucial but I have also found that if I go over the material with a few of peers seems to make a difference also. I am able to get that critical feedback on my presentation. Going into the classroom knowing that I know the material calms me.
