Scot Vaver

I do the same with respect to real world experiences. Share and put some color to the topic is what I say.

caleb Andrews

I agree sometimes it is a challenge. I noticed that when you have a good attitude and a true want to help them succeed they tend to stay engaged and more focused.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Jodie,
You make a good point about the difference between an instructor saying "I have no idea what I am doing." and saying "I don't know the answer to that question." The key is to have confidence in what you are doing and show leadership in the classroom. By doing such when a question comes up to which you don't know the answer it becomes a joint learning session for both you and the students as you seek the answer. The students like it when you seek out answers and they respect you for doing so.
Gary

Jodie Liedke

I agree. An instructor should never tell students that in a way, "I have no idea what I am doing." You might as well pack up and leave because you have lost them.

There are times when a student asks me a question and I do not know that answer. I don't think you should make one up or act like you do, but say, "I am not positive. Let me double check." We are humans. We don't know everything even if it is about our field of expertise. We should be constantly learning as well.

Heidi-Jo Yohe

Motivating students can sometimes be a challange, but once you build a good rapport with the students it is easier to finds ways to keep everyone motivated.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Brian,
Great way to turn a negative into positive by showing the students your willingness to work hard at instructional preparation while growing as a new instructor.
Gary

Brian Barber

That brought to mind a situation I experienced in one of my classes. Occasionally the course is updated. I was the first instructor to do the updated course. I didn’t have time between classes to do a good review of the PowerPoint presentation provided. While doing a lecture using the provided PowerPoint I found errors. At first I didn’t want the students to know the course had been updated and this was the first time I had taught the update, but the errors in the P.P. in my mind were making me look unprepared, “not good”. What do I do? Here is what I decided to do the second day of the class. I told the students about the update and this being the first time teaching it. I turned the errors into a game, making it fun to find the errors and talk about why it’s wrong and what it should be. The end result the student had fun, stayed engaged.

Ana Plasencia

Wow, that would be a scary statement for students. Imagine a nurse walking up to a patient and stating that it is their first time inserting a catheter... We as instructors have to set an example for professionalism. If it is your first time teaching a course, the students do not need to know.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Neville,
Good reminder for instructors. We need to maintain a professional atmosphere while managing the learning of our students. Every instructor has to start somewhere but they all enter the classroom with life and career experiences that they can share with students. They need to focus on the expertise that they are bringing to the classroom while they are developing their instructional style.
Gary