A common instructor mistake is acting like you were never a student. You as a teacher cannot ever forget what you were like when you were in their shoes. That is how you dont loose touch with them
Be familiar with the content of the lesson.
Have a back up plan, like visual aids.
Break the ice every day with small talk before the class gets started.
Also, inquire of more experienced instructors some helpful ways to better prepare.
Hello Eric,
You are on point! Preparation is a MUST!
Patricia
I agree with a lot of the postings: prepare, prepare, prepare and prepare.
Know your strength and weaknesses and plan for contingencies.
If it is a subject you have not taugh in a long time, practice before hand so you don't look rusty.
Hi Judy,
Nicely said. Always pick the veterans brains. Experienced instructors have a lot to offer to new instructors.
Patricia
As discussed in the module, you can certainly learn from the experience of others. Whenever you are new at a school, try to meet and chat with other instructors to become familiar with the climate of the school. Beind organized and prepared are excellent ways to avoid instructor mistakes. You should also be very familiar with the policies of your school. A great way to avoid making a common instructor mistake is to say, "I don't know," when you don't. Do not make up answers.
Hello Patrick,
I am a firm believer, experience is the best teacher. It is unreal what you can learn from an experienced instructor. Experienced instructors know the tricks of the trade!
Patricia
talk to an experienced instructor to give you some tricks and ideas about what you can expect in your class
Hi Thomas,
You are on point. Just as sure as we are human, we are going to make mistakes. No one knows it all. Admit that you don't know, but give it your best shot to find the answer. Don't try to cover up by making up information.
Patricia
Hello Vivian,
Again, you are so on point. Rapport building is extremely important in the education setting.
Patricia
All instructors make mistakes from time to time. The problem is we want to think we know it all, but that just isn't possible. Don't improvise or make up answers that may be wrong. It's ok to say "I don't know." You should follow that statement with "I'll find the answer and we'll talk about it later." Then it is very important to follow through. No one will have much respect for you if you drop the ball.
Focus on what you know. Make sure that you read the material you give students and know it. Make sure that you are prepared and organized so you will be able to teach the class. Get to know your students so they will build a good rapport and feel confident around you.
Hello Jennifer,
Rubrics are great tools. What a clever way to use a rubric to show students how to fix their mistakes.
Patricia
Hi Roy,
I like your idea of being prepared. It sounds like you are always prepared, and you like to have a backup plan. Being prepared is key, keep up the good work.
Patricia
yes, i agree. Especially if you say something like this is the way I made it- but this is where I SHOULD HAVE DONE BETTER, this is what I need- refer to your grading rubrics for further clarification.
I also use it as an example of how to fix their mistakes.
Visit your classroom well before classtime and make sure everything is in order. If you plan to use an overhead projector or TV/VCR; do they actually work? And you need a back-up plan in case they stop working while being used.
If you are doing a new demonstration, you generally need to practice it more than once before you are really ready to present it.
Hello Sir Roy,
Beautifully stated. Just as sure as we are human, we are going to make mistakes, simply try to correct your mistakes.
Patricia
Hi Philipp,
Fellow instructors have a lot of great advice to share with others. It is always good to pick fellow instructor brains.
Patricia
Think of class prep as the most important tool
Allow erros to happen, we all are human. Repair the errors as fast as possible and try not to repeat them.
If you have the opportunity to first speak with fellow instructors prior to teaching and ask their advice may help you from making common mistakes, or take this online course.
I thought you may need an apple!
