How to Overcome Instructor Fear, Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural, automatic reaction to stress. It is normal for instructors to feel nervous, especially if they have limited experience in the classroom. Instructors with little experience tend to have the following fears:
1. Fear of Inadequacy
New instructors fear that their students and peers will see them as incompetent or as something less than a specialist.
2. Fear of Imposed Expectations
Many instructors also fear they will not be able to fulfill the expectations of learners and employers -- that they have not reached the expected level of professional development they need to be effective.
3. Fear of Chaos
This fear is common to new and veteran instructors alike - the fear that they will not effectively keep command of chatting, of out-of-turn questions, or of students leaving the room.
4. Fear of Student Concerns
Often, instructors fear anxiety from their students. They fear they will not understand resistance from their pupils, and that they will not be able to empathize with doubts or discord.
5. Fear of Student Insecurity
No instructor wants to see their students lose confidence in themselves. This can be a source of instructor fear, anxiety, and hurt.
6. Fear of Personal Biases
Often, it is the instructor's job to allow students to form their own opinions of a subject. Newer instructors may fear their views will color those of their students.
7. Fear of Student Expertise
Instructors are supposed to be experts in their fields, but sometimes students are also experts. This can make new instructors uncomfortable.
One secret to overcoming anxiety is to be human. When instructors confine themselves to the role of teacher, avoiding personal relationships with pupils, their fears are amplified. Acceptance of strengths and weaknesses can markedly decrease instructor anxiety. Another thing new instructors need is to be prepared. Thorough preparation of lesson plans can replace fear with confidence as teachers accumulate more experience.
To maintain peace of mind, instructors should remember that students and instructors learn together. Everyone suffers from job-related stress, but focusing on positive human interaction can alleviate instructor fear and anxiety.
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