This is so true It would be great if more schools required teachers to take these courses. When I was in school I had long time teachers that made some of these mistakes. One was you don't need to worry everybody passes the class with a C. I became frussted because I was having trouble understanding some Pharicology and I wanted to know how it worked and the teacher wouldn't take the time to help me.
Reevaluate your plan and actions when you find that things are not working as you would have thought they would. Always Plan ahead for any curve ball you may encounter. Sure you cannot foresee everything but if you plan for the obvious the others odd ones won;t seem so rough.
Hi Tameka,
Reading is knowledge! Students will take full advantage of you, if you are blind sided to things. Continue to read to find out what is going on.
Patricia Scales
Hi Novella,
I agree! After teaching for more than 23 years, we can certainly become too comfortable. I like your energy, we need new fresh ideas!
Patricia Scales
Some ways I avoid instructor mistakes is to properly prepare myself by reading the provided instructor material. I also make sure I am prepared with the student handbook. I have found that when students are aware an instructor is new they first challenge the instructor by minor infraction of the student handbook.
I have been an instructor for almost six years now and have found that students will be forgiving to a point, and as long as you retain your since of humor, you can overcome much. The biggest challange I find is that we sometimes become very relaxed with what we teach and it can become "habit" after a while. That is when we as instructors need to step up our cirriculum,maybe redo lecture notes, see what is going on "in the field" and reevaluate what we are teaching. Make it fresh, change it up. to often I think that seasoned instructors have this problem. Cirriculum change is a wonderful way to keep us on our toes!
Being prepared for your class. I always make sure that I have a "plan B" just in case. Videos interactive learning games or even just a Q&A session to get them thinking about the subject
Hi Diane,
What a great way to critique yourself by keeping notes. I can tell you want to be the best that you can be.
Patricia Scales
To avoid commonly made instructor mistakes, I should first understand what these mistakes are and why they are mistakes. Next, I need to develop a plan for avoiding this mistakes and stick to it. (For example, I know that I find it challenging to learn students' names, so I have had to develop strategies for overcoming this challenge.) Finally, I need to determine whether my strategies are working and make modifications as necessary. Keeping a log of what went well and what needs improvement after each new lecture has helped me avoid mistakes the next time I teach the class.
Hi Davina,
I agree! We all have weakness, and once we realize those weaknesses. We can have a better understanding of it all.
Patricia Scales
The way I try to avoid common mistakes is to be prepared for each class and maintain a professional image.
Some ways that you can avoid commonly made instructor mistakes is awareness. It is important to recognize what the common mistakes are. Once you recognize them, you can start to self-reflect to see if you have any potential areas where you could anticipate that you might be at risk to make some of these mistakes. I think that self-awareness is very important and being aware of your weaknesses can help to make you a better instructor.
Hi Adrienne,
As an instructor, we should always be learning. I am a life-long learner.
Patricia Scales
You said it perfectly. I think that I learn something new everyday. I strive each week to acquire new knowledge so that I can become a better instructor.
Hi Carmen,
Nicely stated! You are definitely on target! I can tell you are a true professional, and you thoroughly prepare your students.
Patricia Scales
Hi Richard,
I chuckled based on the way you have learned to deal with stubborness. Students will try to take full advantage of you if they know that you are new to the profession. Although I have had some new instrutors to come in with a strong presence and a no tolerance level for foolishness. I am glad you have regained control.
Patricia Scales
To begin with never share your problems with your students it does not earn their respect and takes up important instructional time. Make sure you are organized by preparing extra material to be covered in class, and always keep your desk, office and classroom clean and well organized this will give your students a good impression and help them to look forward to each class.
Make sure that all expectations are clearly explained so that the students will come to class prepared to learn. By clearly laying out what is expected the students will be more relaxed and ready to participate in class. These things will also help to earn the students respect which is better than trying to be a friend.
Hi Robert,
Note taking is really effective when teaching a course. You have in writing what worked and what did not. Great reference to refer to at a later point, instead of trying to recall everything from memory.
Patricia Scales
As a new instructor, I have made a few of the mistakes listed in this section of the course. I find that even though I knew better, I let them happen and it has taken a while for me to regain the reigns of my class. The biggest mistake I made was to let it slip that I am fairly new. They took that and tried to play the dominance game. Luckily for me, I have been married to a very stubborn woman for 12 years, and this helps me to be just as stubborn when dealing with all other aspects of my life including the classroom. I had to re-establish dominance of my class quickly before I lost complete control. The students were coming in late, talking through lectures, and trying to skate by on little effort. So I had to assert myself and my position so that they realized who the leader of the class was. Now they pay attention, do their work, participate in class discussions, and most of them (minus the one or two who tried to lead the class in my inexperience) can finally show up on time for class and back from breaks. It has been a hard road recovering from my mistakes.
Richard
Hi Allen,
Preparation is key! Note taking is a super idea. You will quickly realize, the more you teach a course, you will get even better.
Patricia Scales
