Hi Jenny,
I like this way to ease into the day. This should certainly put everyone at ease.
Patricia
I try to reduce my instructor anxiety by prior planning and preperation and by a deep knowledge of the siills I am teaching . I have been a professional practitioner of these skills for many years. I read the text before I enter the class room. I take the quizzes and exams that I am going to give my sudents and try to look at my course presentation from a students point of view. I was a student learning the same job I am now teaching others to do. My real world experience, the excitement I have in shareing this knowledge with my students and my class room preperation help me reduce my anxiety levels.
Jesse Walker
Hi Kevin,
Preparation is crucial for any class to flow smoothly. Everyone is more at ease when the instructor is prepared.
Patricia
Hi Carolos,
Preparation is key! It sounds like you are very organized and prepared for your 4.5 hour labs.
Patricia
Being prepared is the main ingredient for overcoming pre-class anxiety. I instruct a 4.5 hour lab and ensuring that adequate supplies are on hand and equipment is functioning properly is crucial. Having a plan in place that demonstrates what's taking place at what time is also helpful.
I think both parties initially have anxiety.
It is up to me to set the tone and cut through the tension. We as instructors do not know what has happened before class has started and the added tension/pressure of a new class/teacher can cause all types of anxiety.
Being prepared and having a plan in place has always helped myself and the class get throught the first day smoothly.
I use this approach or other soft topics to break the ice.
Hi Susan,
Preparation is at the top of the list. You also want to make a strong presence and walk into the room with great confidence.
Patricia
Be prepared introduce your self have students do the same.
Know your material for class havine no questions unanswered
Be prepared. Have close to twice as much prepared than what you really need. Make sure to have the lesson plan all together, copies made of any handouts and to have everything in an organized manner. Go in confident in yourself and the skills and knowledge you have.
Hi Tessie,
I agree! Preparation is key! Preparation will put you at ease and will give you mega confidence.
Patricia
Preparation and organization are two ways to overcome pre-class anxiety. I like to arrive early, have all of my handouts and materials distributed, and write the learning objectives on the board before the first student arrives. When I am doing this, I am visualizing what my class will be doing for that particular day. By the time the first student arrives, I am ready to greet the students, make them feel at ease, answer any individual questions, and proceed with the instruction.
I think practicing public speaking will help reduce anxiety, as well as preparation with the specifics of the course(s) you will be teaching also will account for a considerble amount of anziety reduction.
Thorough preparation and having sufficient materials are the best antidote for instructor anxiety. Preparation begets confidence and confidence diminishes anxiety.
I like to begin class with a brief exercise that I call Taking A Moment To Arrive. It is a moment to enter the learning facility, the classroom, the purpose of being present in the class and classroom and a moment to connect to every person in the room. It provides a sense of grounding and intention for myself as well as the students.
Hi Dario,
Preparation is a must! Early arrival gives you the opportunity to inhale and exhale, thus getting yourself together.
Patricia
I usally plan my course in advance in order to lessen the pre-class nerves or anxiety. I also arrive early.
Hi Jennifer,
I concur! Preparation is key! Be confident in your teaching abilities and showcase your skills confidently.
Patricia
As long as you're prepared, there should be no reason to feel anxiety. You should be confident in your knowledge and teaching abilities. I always write a detailed lesson plans, sometimes with side comments of things I don't want to forget to mention.
