I agree class prep is most important. I often share my classroom with other instructors and classes and it must be gone through every day before hand.
I love music and so do many students to break up the anxiety level, I would normally play loud music at the beginning of class to get the motivation pumping.
The ice breakers are to get the class relaxed on the first day, but being prepared helps me as the instructor and being over prepared is even better. But I still get nervous on the first day with new students because you never know what type of students you are going to get. Regardless, preparation is definitely the best for the instructor.
Hi Wesley,
I too like to introduce myself. Students need to know a little about us so that they feel more comfortable with us.
Patricia Scales
During instruction of a class I always make sure I am prepared. I read over class material, make sure I have a clear plan of what I am covering and write the class plan on the board. By writting the plan on the board it helps to keep me on topic and lets the class know what the goals are for the day
I really enjoyed the information on this section! I speed read through my presentation several times. This helps to ensure I know what I'm presenting, as well as helps me come up with different ways to present it. Sometimes going through it just once doesn't give me the variety I need to keep the students involved
There are a couple ways I like to “break the ice†for the first class. I like to do introductions, start with a small group project, or have something fun planned.
Going around the room and letting everyone say who they are / what they do / one thing they are interested in. I like starting with myself so people in the class can connect with me a little bit more.
Sometimes I like to put a small group project together. Find an interesting article on the internet that deals with the course (5 minutes) then get in a small group (3 or 4 people) and the people in the group pick one of the stories to share (5 minutes) then the 3 or 6 small groups share there stories (10 – 15 minutes). It makes things relevant / keeps it current / makes it interesting.
Hi Charlotte,
I have learned generally what is good for the students is also good for the instructor.
Patricia
I prepare for class and also start with ice breakers to calm the students. It has the same effect on me.
Hi Tammi,
I concur! Preparation is key! Students want to and need to know that they are learning from a knowledgeable instructor.
Patricia
Hi Anand,
I really like your list! We always need to have a plan to work and work the plan.
Patricia
I try to be well prepared and know the material before class. I also try to remind myslef that I may not know the answers to all questions, but I am willing to find an answer when faced with this problem.
Study your clas attendance roster before class.
recheck the course goals and study syllabus ,,regarding contents and omissions and expectations.
Have class all planned out.
Be in class early.
Be professional and ready and available to help.
I believe that the best way to overcome nerves or anxiety when anticipating a new classes arrival is to be fully prepared. Make sure that you have complete lecture notes, power points are up-to-date, and you have plenty of handouts. Students enjoy playing a few ice breaker games to get comfortable and you will find that if you play too you will be more at ease as well. Knowing your "stuff" and being prepared is the key to a successful class.
The very best method to overcome classroom anxiety is to be prepared. I prepare an outline for each class. I have a guide of objectives I plan to meet, a list of the planned strategies to meet the objectives, and videos or activities for reinforcementand. Like many instructors, I am probably over prepared, but my anxiety is at a low level.
My best solution for reducing anxiety is to be well prepared. This is not only my plan for the first day of class, but for every day of class. If I were to walk into a class without a plan for the day, it might be a disaster. I am always prepared, perhaps over prepared on some occassions. I instruct Oral Communications, and in this class, the guide to delivering a good presentation, without nervous anxiety, is to be prepared, and if necessary...over-prepared.
Hi Alice,
I really like how you put yourself in the student's place. Students do look at things from a totally different perspective.
Patricia
It helps me to adopt a student perspective. What would I want from the instructor? What do I need to learn in this setting? How will I best learn this topic?
By focusing on the learning instead of the teaching, I reduce my anxiety.
Hi Theresa,
Preparation is crucial to the sucess of the instructor and more importantly to the success of the students.
Patricia
Hi Andrew,
Preparation is key! Continue to give your students the very best of you as a professional.
Patricia
