Peer Instructor
I was hired by FSU's Graduation Planning and Strategies Office to design lesson plans and teach an incoming group of freshmen for IDS 1107, an Engage 100 course that emphasizes shaping college success.
Preparing for the Course
Upon hire, we were enrolled in a class that helped prepare us for the peer instructor role. We studied materials we were expected to guide students through, and standard pedagogy strategies to help guide them. I grew less terrified of public speaking through presentations and mock teaching days. ​
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Throughout the course, we were also designing slide presentations and writing up lesson plans for the upcoming Fall semester. I had so many ideas and experimented with everything: jigsaw activities, simulated scenarios, subject-relevant game shows, debate line-ups, and of course, lecture slides. Yes, we were to open our students' eyes to all the opportunities FSU has to offer...but my supervisor emphasized that the purpose of these (mandatory) Engage 100 courses was to provide a welcoming space to help first-year students build connections and find communities. I wanted my students to enjoy their class time (despite attendance being mandatory). If not directly fun, I wanted to make my activities purposeful, using time wisely and leading them to succeed.
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Excerpts from class slides used in Fall 2025
A. Self-reference sheet, worksheet designed in Canva
B. Guide for independent work time
C. "Stranded" icebreaker activity
Teaching as a Peer Instructor...
To start off, I love my students. I was nervous the first day and was hopeful upon beginning with small group icebreakers, to which they all participated. I had chatters!
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Time flew quickly...quicker than I anticipated. Every week, I would edit slides the day before - reorganizing, condensing, or expanding as needed. In the later weeks, I got better managing the allotted hour and fifteen minute class time.
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The time (and rowdy voices) was also telling of which activities hit better than others. Overall, the many experiences of what worked (spoilers: it was the Stranded scenarios and a personalized Jeopardy) tipped the scales over what didn't (spoilers: it was a jigsaw networking activity). It was incredible putting my designs to action.
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There's nothing like seeing a classroom of students start off with awkward 'what's your major's in week 1 and in week 7, get into heated debates over whether flare guns would appear in a shipwrecked first aid kit or not.
Class overview
Photo of the beginning of class
Evaluations
"The class was designed well. The topic was introduced effectively and the following activities were planned with a logical, progressive approach that consistently fostered positive, productive student engagement...Overall, [Anna] was successful in the classroom, both in delivering content and managing students."
Heather Shattuck / Academic Program Specialist
"I loved Anna, she was funny and lively. I dreaded coming to class cause it was a long walk but Anna always made it feel worth it. She was easy to communicate with and provided clear instructions about assignments."
Anonymous Student
"Anna was VERY engaging and did a great job of connecting with all of the students in my class! She made everyone feel welcome and encouraged participation by communicating a lack of pressure."
Anonymous Student