Avoiding common instructor mistakes
What are some ways you can avoid commonly made instructor mistakes?
Use the philosophy of "you are not just another face in the crowd, YOU are the reason we are here" This was on a poster hanging in the room where I interviewed for this position. It so impressed me, I try to think of it daily.
My professional opinion is that too many instructor become too friendly with the adult student. Making it more difficult when the time comes to get serious because the line has already been crossed. In my personal case, I am friendly but professional always and maintain the boundaries so the students know that they are being taken seriously as well.
Hi Timothy,
Anything a student has to do the insructor should have already done it, i.e., if a student has to do an assignment on the computer, the instructor should have already done the assignment beforehand so that they know exactly what is required of the students and if there are any problems.
Patricia
Avoiding common instructor mistakes is not as easy as it looks. You want to be liked but that is not your goal. You want to be excepted but that also is not your main goal. You need to step out of your comfort zone and press on to the main goal. Students will respond better if you show your professionalism.
When attempting to relate to students it's important to avoid giving too much personal information about yourself. Even when giving professional examples we must edit it carefully.
Common mistakes fro instructors……there are so many it is difficult to find a starting point. Over the years I have mentored many new instructors and I usually tell them about my experiences, what worked, what did not and my methods for teaching today. Someone once told me that if I should ever get arrested, I should “find the biggest, baddest, meanest guy in prison and beat him upâ€â€¦.teaching is not much different. Image is everything, especially for a new instructor. They haven’t yet had the opportunity to create a name for themselves and they are certainly a “fish out of waterâ€. With that stated it is important to create the “image†that you want to be known as because this image is going to be created within the first few minutes. To start off I think it is important to rattle off a little background information about yourself. These credentials will let the students know a little bit about your background and you can express your education and experience. For many students, they want to know that you are qualified for the job. By no means discuss weaknesses. I compare everything to sales. A car salesman is never going to rattle off everything that is wrong with a used car. They highlight all the options and seldom bringing up pitfalls. Education is sales; it is selling a lecture topic and or an idea.
Next, problem that I commonly see with new instructors is they don’t want to discipline. 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 their education. Attention should instead be focused 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 to success. Likewise, when it is time to discipline it is imperative to be strict and fair. I find that instructors often start out the year with a lax discipline plan and or no plan at all. One of my mentors once told me, "Don't let them see you smile until Christmas". Now I think that may be extreme, but the principle behind the saying is correct and this is to start out tough because you can always relax your rules as time progresses if it is appropriate. My experience has shown me that it is next to impossible to become “more tough†once you've shown your soft side. I hate to sound like a strict dictator, because that is not how I conduct class….I conduct class with strong leadership. Just as a captain is in control of their platoon, I am in control of the class. I love and use Theodore Roosevelt’s phase all the time, “speak softly and carry a big stickâ€.…it can be applied to so many areas in teaching. Students don’t want friends, they want organization and structure. Be respectful, enthusiastic, energetic, and when appropriate be prepared to lay down the law.
Furthermore, I think many problems in the class can be avoided with proper preparation. It is not until you have been instructing for a good year before you are truly able to comprehend how much paper accumulates in a classroom. Even after the first week of school, you'll look around at the piles of paperwork and the good news is that the pile just continues to grow. Establishing a sensible organization system from day one and, most importantly, using it every day will save you much hardship. Labeled files and folders are essential. Be disciplined and sort all papers immediately. Albert Einstein is accredited to the phrase, “a clean desk is the sign of a sick mindâ€. While I do agree that Einstein is a super smart guy, I don’t agree with this phrase. A tidy desk contributes to a focused mind, which leads to a productive day.
The last thing that I think is important for new instructors is to ask for help. I can appreciate what it is like to “proud†and not ask for help, but the older I get the less “proud†I am. I have learned over the years it is not in my best interest to ask for help. If I need help I ask. Instructing sometimes requires superhuman skills, so we often strive to appear as superheroes who can handle any problem that comes our way. Unfortunately this is not the case, everyday is full of clumps of kryptonite and it is an absolute necessity to ask for help. Don't be afraid to appear vulnerable, admit mistakes, and ask your colleagues or administrators for assistance. Look around your school and you will see centuries of teaching experience represented by your fellow instructors. More often than not, your fellow instructors are generous with their time and advice. Ask for help and you just might discover that you're not as alone as you thought you were.
Plan your lesson according to learning objectives.
If necessary, make sure to review and practice anything that you will ask of your students, especially if it is technical in nature.
Be sure to conceptualize how you will explain what you mentally know but have not yet articulated in clear, verbal communication.
Hi Anna,
As instructors we have to evaluate our own teaching. Keep those things that work really well and toss or tweak those things that did not work well.
Patricia
I always take notes, but also review my classes over in my head. The activities, lesson plans, etc, that were great or just didn't work.
Hi Zinat,
Mistakes are bound to happen. Learn from them and move on.
Patricia
Document the mistake in your own class notes so as not to repeat. Brainstorm on what's more effective when presented with the same challenges. See what is most helpful to the students.
Hi Judith,
Preparation is key! Instructors should not be leaving class to get important documents. We expect our students to be prepared, therefore we must be prepared. Practice what is preached.
Patricia
It is important for instructors to avoid small errors, such as technical problems and grammar. They should not make mistakes such as being late for class, leaving class early or forgetting important documents for class. Thses are common errors. However, if an instructor does make a mistake, they should own it. Apologize for it, and make light of it. I have made errors, been corrected by an astute student, and admitted that I was wrong. With a quick apology, and an admittance that I am not infallable, and a short laugh, moved on. They seemed to have more respect for my honesty and humility.
A mistakes often made is trying to be a friend to the students. This is a no no. We need to always stay professional: act, and teach in a professional way. We need to demonstate to the students that we want them to be successful but we do not need to be their friend to show them that we care about there success.
Hi Michelle,
Adults examine their instructors very critically. We must always be on our "A" game.
Patricia
Yes - the idea of "an exchange" is very important when working with adults.
I like that answer. I don't pretend to know an answer that I don't. I tell the class 'I don't know but we'll find out' and as a class or split off group we research the answer and report back. It keeps the students involved and it becomes OK for them to say I don't know and helps them continue to learn.
Hi Kenton,
Great response! Mistakes are bound to happen. With better preparation, mistakes can be reduced.
Patricia
Hi Sharon,
Some students enjoy finding answers so that they care share with others because it gives them the opportunity to be in the spotlight for a moment.
Patricia
