I always go to the class well prepared. I believe the instructor should be prepared to deliver the lecture and it should be well planned also. He should prepare all possible questions before the class starts. This can avoid at least common mistakes that instructors usually make.
1. Remembering to include all the improtant things about the course in the syllabus.
2. Knowing that it is importnat for me to be respected as an instructor than to be liked.
3. Recognizing students struggling with course material as well as those that have behavioral issues. In recognizing the mentioned issues, I am able to steer the students in a better direction.
The strategy that I'm using right now is this: I prepare the material for the class that I'm teaching calendar-wise, that is, today's class. Then I prepare the material for the next class. Then I go over the material that I've taught the class-before. Now, I have with me, a "Flowing" calendar. I can inform the students as to "Where" we are headed today, where we just came from, and how it relates to what we're studying, and lastly, how "Today's material" is needed, in order to form the basis for the future knowledge. Voila! you're really prepped. Not only that, but it establishes a base that shows students the need for both "Goals" and "Participation" in their own "Career-success".
Hi Paula,
Preparation will help to avoid mistakes.
Patricia Scales
Through an awareness of knowledge obtained, the availability of resources for that which is unsure, and an appreciation for the different methods of learning.
Hi Alan,
I concur! Consistency is key, and you will save a lot of confusion, frustration, anger, chaotic moments etc., simply because you are fair.
Patricia Scales
Hello Leea
I echo your comment on "clear and concise course expectations, and enforce rules consistently" for this will instill fairness and professionalism.
Anytime we do not present consistence trust is lost. The learner is entitled to course expectations that are clearly noted and understood.
Al
I provide a 29-point PowerPoint to my students’ entitled “Are You Prepared.†This is designed to help them prepare for a career in Criminal Justice. If I am going to embark on trying to motivate and encourage students’ I must start by being prepared myself.
Being prepared means that the items I will be discussing and examples provided is researched, referenced, cited correctly and contemporary within my presentations. This is modeling. It is embarrassing if I have failed to be updated on perhaps the latest protocol with “pepper spray†when the discussion turns to the recent events at UC Davis.
Yesterday’s lecture or facts may have changed since last I taught this class. Information has a shelf life and sometimes its date of expiration was yesterday. With adult learners’ it is always a good idea to ask if anyone has experience or training in a given area before presenting on the topic. We can also learn from our adult learner’s and we should be open to this.
Al
Hi Marvin,
I agree! At the end of each course have your students evaluate you. It is amazing how you can become even better from constructive feedback on the student evaluations.
Patricia Scales
Being prepared is the most important part. I try to prepare 2 days worth of info, in case the class moves faster than anticipated. I also make notes (both anecdotal and educational) to give the lesson real world scope.
No one is perfect and the best critiques of your instructional performance is those that you instruct. Having your students help you to become a better teacher is a great tool that im sure i can utilize in the future. I look forward to trying new ways to both figure out what works and what does'nt work.
I agree with this completely. There is nothing wrong with wanting your students to like you, but not at the expense of their respect. It is very important to maintain your authority in the classroom, and if they start to see you as a peer, then you have thrown that authority away.
doing good research on the material taught, watching other instructors teach, utilize writing mistakes so i don't repeat them, basically have confidence, be professional at all times , have a good student-instructor relationship that does not cross boundaries.
Hi Robert,
Preparation is a must! I can tell you are prepared and are very organized. It appears you have great flexibility skills as well. I am sure you are a very effective instructor.
Patricia Scales
Being prepaired is a big key. i go over the lecture prior to class time. If I have demos to do I make sure all possiable problems are worked out of the demo first prior to class. I also have a backup plan or demo to fall back up on if things go wrong. One time the power went out in the building , without missing a beat I opened the curtians got out my notes a proceded without the powerpoint. It went rell well untill I had to draw something on the board as I was not hired for my art skills. The students and I laughed about it.
Hi Ellen,
I concur! Students are students, regardless of age. I have found very many of the same similiarities as well.
Patricia Scales
I think one big mistake in career colleges is discounting the adult learner. Adult learners have different expectations but in many ways they are similar to younger students. Different from younger students is that they can easily determine if you are not organized and don't want to be spoken or addressed as children. However, they will easily take advantage of an instructor who has less experience or try to bully or cajole them into less homework or easier assignments--similar to the high school aged students. Asking for help,analyzing your performance, and a willingness to learn new techniques always helps to improve your performance.
One of mistake normally occurs with inexperienced teachers often fall into the trap of wanting their students to like them above all else. However, if you do this, you are damaging your ability to control the classroom, which in turn compromises the student's education. Instead, focus on earning your students' respect, admiration, and appreciation. Once you realize that your students will like you more when you are tough and fair with them, you'll be on the right track.
Hi Laura,
Well stated. We can not go through our teaching career focusing on the "what if's", I have a few instructors they like to go into the "what-if mode", and I let them know, we can what if forever. Let's deal with things as they arise.
Patricia Scales
Hi Amina,
I too have binders for each course. They are my life line when teaching. My binders have everything I need in them, including written notes from each chapter. They are very thorough and have made my life a lot easier.
Patricia Scales
