I like this list as well. it's a great list to stick to.
rebecca
Hi Rhonda,
Seniors or not, we all make mistakes, accept them, learn from them, and move on.
Patricia
Hi Valerie,
I'm not a senior, but I can relate to "senior moments". I agree, it is important to laugh at yourself and allow your students to know that you realize you are human and you are not trying to be some untouchable, greater than thou person. Students will appreciate you more if they see you have the same struggles as them.
Happy teaching!
Rhonda Daniels
Hi Melissa,
I like how you want to make yourself better and you accept constructive feedback! You are a true professional who wants to be the best.
Patricia
Hi Deborah,
Great response! I can tell you want to be the most effective instructor as possible. Continue to search for flaws in order to make yourself better. I like your critque system.
Patricia
Hi Tracey,
Respect is a two-way street. Students expect you to respect them, just as you expect to get students respect.
Patricia
Hi Marilyn,
Each mistake should be regarded as a lesson learned.
Patricia
Some ways I avoid making mistakes is learning from my past mistakes. I now make sure that I give ample time to making up an exam, re-reading the exam, let it rest, then re-reading the exam again to make sure I have no typing mistakes, spelling mistakes, etc.
Another way is to review my notes on my lectures before giving that lecture again. Ask myself these questions-Did the students understand what I was trying to convey to them? What examples worked in this lecture as opposed to what examples did no work. As instructors, mistakes will occur regardless of all the planning. I have learned to laugh at myself and learn from the experience.
You can avoid some common instructor mistakes by making sure you know your content. Some students look for flaws in knowledge and classroom management. Always comment on things that you are certain of. It is okay to say that if you are not certain of a problem or information that you will try to find them a definite answer, or lead them to someone that is could give them more information( that is if the info is not about your subject area).
If we just explain to students why it was a mistake and what we do to correct the mistake and why it is better with the corrections, they are happier because not only do they have a better product they alsolearned problem solving
I look at the previous term and what I liked and did not like about how the class progressed. I formulate plans to change how I do things to give myself a more positive outcome for the next term. I also value the evaluation form completed by my students and stress that they need to be honest in their feedback. I look at the responses and value their opinions in my attempt to become a better instructor.
I believe being honest with yourself and your students is the best way of dealing with common instructor mistakes. I also believe performing the job with full professionalism, respect for self and students would also help.
Greetings,
In an effort to avoid common instructor mistakes, I make it a point to be organized in the classroom so that all of the material for that day can be discussed and the students can get the full benefit of the class hour. If I am caught off guard with something beyond my control, such as carving out time for students to get books, scrubs or other class materials, I will adapt by breaking the class discussion up into half discussion, half self study so that the students still get the benefit of learning the material.
One of the most important things you can do to avoid mistakes is to be organized. For one, it will allow you to think more clear when you are going through your notes before the first day of class. Second, once it is time for the first day your thoughts will be more clear. Third, it is an excelent indicator to your students that you know what you are doing and that you as an instructor thinks this class is important!
Hi Janet,
You are right! Students will try to get on your good side. I do not have a good side. I treat all of my students the same. I am the instructor and they are the students.
Patricia
Hi Robert,
Preparation is key! When you are prepared the whole class goes a lot smoother.
Patricia
Hi Donna,
Preparation is key! Preparation allow things to flow smoothly.
Patricia
Hi David,
Being new is irrelevant. I do not think this has to be shared. You should into the classroom and take control, be prepared, and knowledgeable in order to gain your students respect.
Patricia
IF you are teaching a class for the first time I feel it is okay to tell students that you are new, but do not show them that you are nervous. If they know both you are nervous and new they will try to take advantage as much as they can of you. You must also go in prepared. If the students know that you are prepared, new or not they will respect you as an instructor.
Be prepared and roll with the punches.
