Teaching with Confidence in Higher Education

Book excerpt: Presenting higher education teaching as a performative, creative and improvisational activity, Teaching with Confidence in Higher Education explores how skills and techniques from the performing arts can be used to increase the confidence and enhance the performance of teachers. Guiding the reader to reflect on their own teaching practices, this helpful and innovative book proposes practical techniques that will improve higher education teachers' abilities to lead and facilitate engaging and interactive learning sessions. Encouraging the creation of inclusive learning experiences which place the student centre stage, the book offers insights into how this can be achieved through performative techniques. Drawing on a variety of performing arts contexts, including acting, singing, stand-up comedy, and dance, as well as interviews with academics and performers, the book helps readers to: Critically analyse their own practice, identifying areas for improvement Manage their anxiety and 'stage fright' when it comes to teaching Become more aware of both their voice and body, establishing professional techniques to improve physical and vocal performance Learn to improvise in order to prepare for the unprepared Understand the concepts of active learning and inclusivity within the classroom. Raising awareness of good practice as well as potential areas for development, Teaching with Confidence in Higher Education is ideal for anyone new to teaching in higher education or looking to improve student engagement through the performance aspects of their teaching.