Job Discussion Forums

[gypsygirl1475]

Help! I am studying for me cert. and can't stop thinking of having to speak in front of a group. Childen are fine with me but having to speak in front of young adults or adults is another story. I've had to do it before with my PR job but at functions I was aloud a drink. No alcohol at school... How many paople were so nervous their first time teaching and what about being observed or critiqued by others? This terrorfies me.

[Guy Courchesne]

Experience help reduce the shakes, but it's confidence in yourself and your lesson plan that will get you through your first classes.

Some of my first classes here in Mexico City were with beginner level adults, and large classes of up to 20 people (well, large for business EFL groups anyway). I was only just learning Spanish at the time and sweating bullets up at the board.

Running some simple routines with new groups helps, such as Getting to Know You exercises.

[gypsygirl1475]

That's true. I haven't worked in months and I've never been good with confrontation good or bad. But you are right if I just use some Ice-Breakers and Getting to Know You games then it shouldn't be too bad. During internship though don't they observe your teaching skills?
I think I'm thinking to much.....

[Guy Courchesne]

In reference to internships and monitored teaching practice in training courses or when starting new jobs, turn it around and look at it a different way. People observing you teach are there to help you improve by providing constructive criticism. I don't think there would ever be much gained by simply running down a checklist of items with 'did this' and 'missed that' as an observer.

[MELEE]

So just curious, why did you want to become a teacher, since speaking in front of a group, at least sometimes, is part of teaching...
Even if you teach kids. Plus there are parent's nights, staff meetings, teacher conventions, etc.

[gypsygirl1475]

Well, that is a great question. I have always wanted to teach and have been teaching English to small groups of my family members in Mexico for a few years now, but they are family. It is not something I can not overcome, but just wanted to know how others who have felt the same managed. I have spoken in front of groups in a more formal manner before but that has been years ago. Just a little rusty I guess. Guy is right though, once I learn how to teach and get a grasp on my lesson planning then maybe I won't be so nervous. Teaching is something I am looking forward to and have many times visualized what my classes will be like and watching my pupils progress throughout the class.

[dixie]

I am not great about being in front of groups either, but that isn�t a reason not to teach. It is simply an issue that is to be overcome. I simply try making sure that I am planned to the supreme (at least in the very beginning) and then act like I have confidence and no (or at least very little!) nerves. Everyone has the first day jitters, students included.

I would also second Guy�s idea on using ice-breakers. It is a great way to get everyone involved, and often allows you the opportunity to not dominate, so that you can learn about the students, and overcome your nerves!

As for being evaluated, I get nervous when that is occurring to me as well, but in the long run I really enjoy it. Again, I try to be me as much as I can, ignoring the individual observing. At the end, I like being able to talk with someone who can praise me for what I am doing right, and help me to solve issues or correct behaviours (esp. ones I might not have been aware of!).

Come your first day, you will be nervous, but it happens to the best of us! And as the days go on, you will quickly overcome that, and be comfortable in class. Fear not!

[MELEE]

I've always felt more comfortable talking in front of a larger group than a smaller one but always under the condition that I'm prepared. I know excatly what it is I want to transmit to the listeners. Leave yourself no reason to be nervous. While part of it has to do with what personality type you have, part of it can be learned. There are textbooks on the subject, we had a great one way back when in my high school Speach class...

[JakeJakeJake]

I think possibly that speaking in front of a group of people from another country is easier. You understand less how people perceive and look at things. I guess ignorance is bliss. At least that's how I feel.

One of the first ever classes I taught was a group of 60 Japanese 18 year olds. 60
Needless to say it wasn't a great lesson, but I felt a good deal more at ease than when I've taught 15 English 11 year olds!

Mind you, 15 English 11 year olds are a lot more dangerous than 60 Japanese 18 year olds!

I get nervous too, and when something goes a little *beep* up... I go as red as a tomato! Knowing this makes the colour stronger!

I got over the nerves in about two weeks.

[JakeJakeJake]

I can't say teats with an i instead of ea? whats the world coming to?!

[hlamb]

I used to be really shy, and still am with groups of people I don't know. I talk a lot once I get comfortable. When I became a journalist, many people told me I couldn't do it becasue of my shyness. Yet, I had no problem approaching people to ask specific questions about a story I was working on. I had a reason to be there and something to say, so shyness wasn't an issue. Put me in front of a microphone, or in front of an audience with an agenda, and I'm the happiest person around. I thrive on the adrenaline. At the same time, my natural inclination to listen to others helps me as a teacher because i don't need to be the centre of attention in the classroom and the students get a chance to talk and practice.

Learn your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Shyness doesn't prohibit teaching.

[Phil_K]

I think, like a lot of things, doing it often turns out to be easier than thinking about it. I have the same problem now I have to call prospects and put it off while I think about what can go wrong. When I make the call I think, "Why didn't I do it earlier?"