Preparation is the key
I speand a significant amount of time preparing my lectures. This seems to help with any pre-class nerves.
How much time would you consider "significant"? It's great that you do so. But be careful how you go about it. Do you find yourself doing the same activities every term, or are you chaning it up from time to time? It's important to have variety, so that you can enhance the students' learning experience.
I agree! I always have back-up assignments as well, just in case the lesson ends quicker than I expected. Having extra things to do make me more relaxed as an instructor, and provides the flexibility to do another activity if a different one isn't going well.
Hi Angela,
Variety is key! I have been teaching for more than 22 years, and I have never taught the same subject the same way twice due to having different students each time. Creativity is key when you are in the teaching profession.
Patricia
Preparation is key. You also have to be flexible because unexpected things do occur in class even though you have prepared for class. How you handle diversity - problems tells the student a lot about their instructor!
Hi Gayle,
Preparation is certainly a must! You are right, things can go wrong even though you are prepared. As an instructor you certainly have to learn how to "roll with the punches" so to speak. Never let your students see you sweat.
Patricia
Yes, preparation is key! I like to be prepared and ready at all times. Because it truly does make me feel less nerved up. To me, being prepared fall in the category of being professional. Even professional athletes, singers, etc, prepare for the type of work or activity that they feel obligated to execute.
Usually an hour is all I think anyone would need before a lecture unless this is your first time teaching the material.
If speaking in front of people is nerve racking, talking to yourself in the mirror to see your body language will help you get better.
Hi Earl,
Practice makes perfect. The mirror idea has worked well for a lot of people. I have known people to even have a practice audience.
Patricia
Hi Nathaniel,
Nicely stated! Regardless of your profession, everyone becomes better with practice.
Patrcia
Preparation is the key. A simply stated understatement!
Hi James,
Preparation is a must so that you can effectively deliver the presentation.
Patricia
Having clear and organized lecture notes and lesson plans prepared in advance make for a smooth running class. If I have not taught a class before, I sometimes add extra activities for a long class in case I need more activities.
