I like to break the class up. I lecture for a while, then we take a break and do some hands on. I also give them a 10 min. break halfway through to stretch and walk around. This gets the blood flowing and wakes them up a bit. Usually about halfway through a 2 hour class you can see their eyes starting to lose focus and wonder.

I believe that the first class time will make or break you for the term of the class. You want to come across firm but yet approachable. You don't want to be taken as a push over but you don't want to come across as the teacher everyone fears. You want to make known that you expect the policies and rules to be followed but are understanding at the same time.

I have a difficult time coming up with enough to lecture on. I know the information but seem to have trouble relaying it to the students. How do you get more comfortable with lecture and putting everything you want to say into words?

I am a first time instructor. I am pretty confident with everything that I do, but find myself doubting my ability to educate students. I know once I figure it out I'll be fine, but finding the confidence is turning out to be harder then I ever had thought. How do some of you find the confidence to teach others? It's their careers on the line.