Observation
 

I'm being observed tomorrow. Any tips or tricks? Any nerve calming techniques? Anything you do when you know your performance is being evaluated?

Sorry I can't be much help... but when it comes down to it you can picture me in the back of the class jumping up and down, waving my pom-poms, and doing the 'Lilith Cheer'. :D

((hugs)) Thanks, as always you are a great cheerleader!

I keep telling myself that I have a job they can't beg people to do but that still doesn't mean that if I suck they won't can my ass :D

From what I have heard, you have some unconvential style and it seems effective. I say do your thing and let them see how effective you are in the classroom - who can argue with that?

Just be yourself. Act as though the person evaluating you isn't in the room. I know it's hard to do - but you have to forget they are there. If you get the chance to involve them in a project you know they love, that would score some points.

Whatever you do - do NOT ask them how you are doing!!!! That shows a weakness and lack of self confidence. Go into things with an air of "I am the best at this and it's about time they got around to noticing it!"

If all else fails - go to work drunk (just kidding) :D

Good luck!!!!!!!

I know you've come to love those boys already ... cause that's how you are ... so my suggestion would be to let the love shine through, then no matter what else you do, the most important thing has been covered! Sending happy confident thoughts your way!

I dont have any words of advise to give, except just you be you!

Good luck, not that you need it I'm sure!

Just picture them naked....it really does work to take the jitters away. Just watch you don't get the giggles.....

Good luck!

My advice owuld be to engage the kids. Don't be so obsessed with being "observed" and needing to present that the kids don't get the chance to demonstrate they they're successfully learning from you. That's the end goal anyway...

Being observed in 'performance' is something I do for fun....the way I deal with nerves is by:

a) Having the basics covered at all times - I would never let myself go on stage without knowing my lines....make sure that you are confident in your lesson plan/how your day is to be structured so that something simple like that doesn't floor you.

b) Harnessing nervous energy. Nerves is basically extra adrenalin sent into your blood stream to help you perform better....think of nerves as your friend, helping you to do the best you can. They will help you react more efficiently should there be any kind of crisis, which means there's less chance of anything going seriously wrong. They make you better at 'thinking on your feet' which is so important in teaching. Use your nerves to help you give a more energetic and memorable performance than you would on a normal humdrum day.

c) Keeping things in perspective. You're not resucing someone from a burning building, you're not operating on someone's dog or negotiating a Middle Eastern peace deal.....in the grand scheme of things an evaluation for work is not the be all and end all. Yes it's important to you, but there are a thousand things bigger than this that you and other people have to deal with on a daily basis. Keeping this in mind will stop you losing control of your nerves.

d) Remembering that your audience wants you to succeed. The person who is evaluating you doesn't want to write a bad report....They're on your side, and will give you the benefit of the doubt. They'll be used to seeing people with nerves, and so they'll take it into account. It's how you deal with being in an awkward situation that matters in teaching which is why this method of assessment for teachers is the norm.

e) And this one only applies to you:


You're Lilith and you're wonderful!

The first thing to let your kids know in the morning is that people will be coming to observe THEM. Tell them that if everybody behaves and each one asks a question, nobody will sent away to Devil’s Island. :D








;)

Oh shit PF, if I'd thought of that I'd have saved myself all that typing! LOL

Lil just tell the observers you're a Pixie and you have a huge following who will pillage and plunder their homes if they give you any shit! LOL
Truthfully, just be your wonderful self and all will go well Hon. We have faith in you.

You'll do just fine 'cause your you *hugz*

Lil,

The Lil I met could have done this standing on her head. You've had two and a half years to polish your act.

Engage the class as normal and cheat by picking a lesson stream the little horrors sorry wonderful children

will take to with gusto.

Have the faith in yourself that we have in you.