Preparing and reviewing the material helps reduce pre-class nerves and anxiety.
Class preparation is the main way. I like to review my lesson plan, make sure I have all my handouts ready and make sure the lab is ready with tools and training aides.
I try to come to class well prepared for the days lesson. Arrive early and settle into the classroom and get organized for the day.
Hi Kim,
I can tell you thoroughly prepare for your classes. I am surely your students really appreciate how organized and ready you always are.
Patricia
Hi Kristina,
Preparation is key! I've known some professionals to practice their lecture to their stuffed animals.
Patricia
Hi Stephanie,
Prperation is key!
Patricia
Hi Russell,
Nervousness is natural. Just do not let the nervousness control you. The nervousness will subside.
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
I have found that developing a rapport while they are coming into the classroom helps to alleviate tension. I ask them how they are doing, or if they had a nice week-end. In addition, my students know that the first thing they are to do when they come in each day is to begin putting their answers on the board. By doing so, they talk among themselves which really lightens the mood as well. We all have time to settle in before going over their answers. After we go over the answers, we usually break before I begin the weekly lecture. By having a routine like this in place, it shows organization. The students can interact with one another and myself. We then ease into the next lesson much more relaxed. :)
I remind myself that the students are just as nervous as I am. I like to start the class out by having the students introduce themselves to each other. The sooner they get engaged and talking the more comfortable they are. This helps reduce everyones anxiety level including mine.
Being prepared for class is the best defense for anxiety. Look up any materials you are unsure of, anticipate the questions the students will have on the material. Always prepare way more material than you could possibly cover. Get to class early so you can become comfortable in the room prior to the students arriving, that way you can greet each student and make a connection from the very start.
Hi Eleftherios,
I have always found music to be very calming. This is a good way to get into the teaching mode and be ready for your students. Practice makes perfect. Continue to rehearse.
Patricia
Where there is smoke, there is always a fire. Step back and look at what you are teaching.
Are you able to complete the syllabus in the assigned class time ?
Do you have any students who distract or seek your attention extensively during the class ?
Some student act as syllabus moderators, they now by being courteous and repeatedly asking silly question irrelavent to the subject discussed in the class. They can take away instructor precious time to lecture.
Look at how many class you are assigned, seek help from other colleages or program directors if you are not meeting your syllabus completion targets.
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 day.
Lastly and this may seem weird, but it works.. I get to the classroom way before class starts and just set up and listen to music. It just makes the classroom warmer and just.. energy-wise I feel like I'm breaking in the room this way (not to be confused with breaking IN to the room... I assure you I have keys).
A great way to obver come pre-class nerves is to be over prepared. When you are prepared and organized you know trhat you have the information for the class ready to go. You should also be at least two steps ahead. This is helpful in situations when you run out of material for that day, you have a back up plan ready. You should also practice your lecture on your friends or family, this way you can hear how it is going to sound and make any adjustments that you feel are needed before you present it to the class. Practice will also help you to become more comfortable and help you build up your confidence level.
One way is being prepared knowing the subject being taught giving great examples and asking the students questions on the subject an order to take some anxiety off the instructor.
Hi John,
Preparation is key, and mental preparation is definitely a plus as well.
Patricia
l prepare for a new class by going over the material and getting in that mindset for the subject.
Hi Cassandra,
Cassandra believe it or not you eased the anxiety too because you being prepared put you more at ease, and you had a level of excitement as well.
Patricia
Hi Brandon,
Being prepared is always a win-win situation for both the instructor and the students. The instructor is more confident and less nervous, and the students tend to be more settled and ready for learning to take place.
Patricia
Hi LaKisha,
Also when you are teaching a course for the first tim you have to thoroughly prepare so that you can present the information to students in a very understanding way.
Patricia
