Art Long CHEP

For me, mistakes come in two types.

First, as a math teacher, mistakes happen. I simply show that everyone makes mistakes. Fix the mistake and move on. It usually does help to down play the mistake and laught about it.

Second, the bigger mistake is to say something not too appropriate to a student in class. Each student has feelings and every student in class heard the comment. When this happens, I always wait until after a break or at the next class, and apologize to the student and the entire class. While this doesn't happen too often, this is definitely the worst kind of mistake, and I always reflect on the mistake to hopefully not have it happen again.

Paula Muir

I too have made mistakes as an instructor, but more importantly have made mistakes in my 35 year Career as an HIM Director. I share that with my students. I also share with them that admitting you made a mistake takes courage and shows that you are human. I also remind them that most mistakes can be corrected and you move on. I learned from a collegue years ago that if a professional doesn't make a mistake every now and then, "he/she isn't doing anything", sort of speaking.
Glad to know I'm not alone in this arena.

Lyndi Smith

If I say something wrong that might not follow with my book, my students seem to point it out right away. I correct myself and thank them for seeing my error. I ask the student to show where have found this information so I am able to have the other students look at it and not get confused with what I had already said.

Georgia Guerra

I agree with addressing the mistake as soon as I make it. I agree with making light of it. It shows you are only human, correct it and move on.

Sherrell Dunn

Hi Matthew, I agree with you on making mistakes. It is better to admit your mistake and move on with a giggle. Students usually understand and appreciate your honesty.

Terry Moore

Good. Never try to BS. It often will not work, and what’s the point? It doesn’t help anything.

And, I like the “usually with a chuckle”. Mistakes do not have to be the end of the earth.

If I make a mistake, and I do too often, I admit it. And, if there is time, I try to explain why it happened. Not an excuse, but real life example of how things can go wrong. And, maybe a discussion of how to avoid such mistakes is in order. Was it just sloppy, too fast, not thinking, a “got ya”?

Then, what’s the fix? If it’s not a small thing, maybe your students could have a say on how to fix the mistake.

Terry

antonino salinas

well making mistakes is what all about , you learn from them and and hope that you will not make them again.