I did not realize that i the students see you as disorganized externally (desk, workbench, handouts, etc.) they will also see you as mentally disorganized. They will begin to question your ability as an instructor. You may be the best there is in your field but they will still lose confidence in your abilities if you stay disorganized.
All I can say is the best way to learn from mistakes is to make them, learn from them and improve and improve and move on.
In the past I've had trouble remembering names. After the class introduction, on day one, I give assigned seating in alphabetical order. I can take roll easier by the missing seats and can learn names much faster. Day one is also SOP day. Which is Standard Operating Procedures where deadlines, expectations, rules and regulations are explained.
Slow down...that would help me the most. I want to give students so much information, I have found that sometimes more is just too much.
Over prepare for class, if you make mistakes- do not dwell on the mistake, learn from it and move on.
Instructor Image - How to appear competent and professional. I have learnt some good tips.
Making sure to come to class prepared can help reduce anxiety. As well as making it a habit to learn your students names. It helps to show the students that you care about them.
What ifs tend to be my biggest obstacle in professional and personal settings. I have to just remain prepared and this helps reduce any anxiety I may have been feeling about my teaching/lecture. I also set an expectation of respect for myself and other students on the first day.
I have to admit that I have difficulty remembering the names of my students especially when teaching 4 classes in a semester which can total up to 80+ students. One icebreaker that I use is having students write their names on a manila file folder and then think of adjectives with each letter of their name to describe themselves. When students introduce themselves using the adjectives you connect with them and remember something unique about them. I usually take notes as they discuss things about themselves. This helps me to remember their names. It becomes more personal.
