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October 1999

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Best Practices: Suggestions From Actors For Teachers

There is a viable connection between the actor and teacher. They both have the task of communicating ideas and feelings, and both have an audience. Keep the following suggestions in mind as you continue to enhance your teaching skills.

• Make use of words---romance the language---make your words come alive.
• Bring energy to your presentation.
• Use your environment---let your movement translate your feelings.
• Make use of meaningful gestures.
• Do vocal and physical exercises before entering the classroom. These exercises can warm you up, reduce anxiety, and help to focus your attention on the task ahead.
• Take time (at least 10 minutes) to prepare yourself for delivery of your presentation---time to clear your mind and to think about what you are going to say and do.
• Develop a core of colleagues who are willing to observe ("review") your teaching.

This last point can be extremely helpful. Actors work very closely with directors who give them invaluable feedback on their work.

Our students perform this function for us via their reactions in class and on written evaluations.

It is very valuable to have colleagues occasionally sit in on our classes and give us feedback just as the director or stage manager will give the performers feedback on their acting during a long run.

Post your comments on our "Thriving in Academe" discussion board.

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