My classes usually run 2 days a week, sometimes for 5 hours per day for the same class. I typically try to have my lesson plans made up and mastered for both days at the beginning of the week. That gives me the reassurance that I have plenty of material to cover.
Just remember, you are the instructor for a reason. You have a plethora of knowledge to share with your students. You will typically be able to answer their questions with little difficulty and if not, they often respect a teacher who occasionally will be honest and state that they are not sure and will have to get back to them with an answer.
Hi Particia,
This may be a funny question. I am new to this type of teaching and am basically training right now.
How should I introduce myself to my students... If I just use my 1st name , will I be omitting an element of respect assumed by the students addressing me as Ms. Sally instead of Sally. What do most instructors do?
the information here is very useful!!
Thanks,
Sally
Hi Tamara,
Over preparing helps reduce instructor anxiety. Preparation is key.
Patricia
Make sure you have plenty of materials. If the class is 2 hours prepare for 4 hours. Maybe talk to teachers who have been teaching loger to get some suggestion could help also.
By having multiple "avenues" to take during a lecture already prepared, the instructor can have an "arsenal" of engaging activities ready to go based on the instructional flow of the topic.
Hi Gary,
Preparation is key! Early arrival gives you a chance to inhale and exhale before students arrive.
Patricia
Hi Robin,
It sounds like you are really organized. Organization certainly helps with anxiety.
Patricia
Hi Eric,
I agree! Preparation is key, and it leads to success.
Patricia
In my experience, there is one answer that stands above all of the rest: be prepared. I atress to my students the same thing. Fail to prepare and prepare to fail.
Patricia,
My classes are also 5 hours long.I am anxious. I benefit from placing all the homework assignments, tests, competancies skill checks,etc. on an excell sheet. I check topics off as the class progresses. I stay on track and I have a place for documentation concerning class behavior. Thank you for an enlightening course.
I believe that planning and practicing what you are presenting in class helps with pre-class nerves. I also believe that showing up in the classroom when it is empty allows you to feel more comfortable when there are actual students in the room. It gives you a sense of being there before.
Gary Piontkowski
Hi Monica,
To set a positive tone on Day 1 is very important. Students want to continue to come back for more. Students enjoy learning while having fun.
Patricia
I think about those instructors I had in college that I and my classmates agreed were exemplary in their teaching abilities, their presentation skills, and their ability to keep the interest of the class. I model some of the techniques they used and this helps me to feel more comfortable when I teach.
With computer instruction I have learned ways of developing fun activities as ice breakers to begin class on the first day. Not only does this give me a little breathing room, but also relaxes my students so we can get down to learning for the rest of the semester.
A good way is to take a few breaths and just remember that you're helping people learn what you enjoy to teach. Not reinventing the wheel.
I like the idea of being over prepared. I also think you need to expect the unexpected. The more you teach the more you realize that each class takes on a culture of its own. Something that went over well one time may not go over as well with another class.
Hi Nelia,
I like your response! I can tell you go into your classes ready to educate.
Patricia
First of all, instructor must always be prepared. He or she must plan ahead which include: the material to be taught, the hand-outs to be given, the equipment to be used,and the test to be administered if there is.The instructor must be in the classroom at least 10 minutes before the class starts and the instructor must manage the class well.
Hi Angelina,
You have the right mind set. Give it your all and all, and simply do the very best that you can; with time you will become excellent.
Patricia
You definitely need to reassure yourself and know that you are capable of doing this. Also, know that it won't go exactly as planned the first few times. It may take years before you find that one thing that "works".
