I first let my students know that I do not profess to know everything because everyday in my field which is also the field I teach I am always learning something new. I make it a point that nobody is infallible and that we can always correct and learn from our mistakes.
Im a young instructor and i've made plenty of mistakes letting the students know im just starting was the worst. These students were established in the school already so i heard alot of this instructor lets us do this. I learned real quick.
Hi Rebecca,
You are on point! Students will take full advantage of you if you are not stern with them.
Patricia
Hi Gina,
We all make mistakes. Learn from your mistakes, admit them, and move forward.
Patricia
If you do make a mistake in the class, correct and let them know that it is ok to make a mistake and show them how to fix it.
I think instructors, especially new instructors, should draw a fine line between friend and authority. Students can pick up very quickly if you are going to be a "push over"... and they will learn how to milk that! By defining the authority roll, the instructor sets the stage for a successful course.
Hi Robert,
Some course subjects are very complex, and the instructor has to study twice as hard as the student to get a good understanding in order to present to the students so that they can understand.
Patricia
Find out about the common mistakes, research what are the mistakes that most instructors experience and then try to avoid the pitfalls! Then with all that information realize that MISTAKES are going to occur regularly, often, maybe more than once each and every class! Learn and take it all in stride - tomorrow is yet to come and when it does all will not go as planned.
Some of the material I present can be complicated and not only difficult to learn, but difficult to teach. This can lead to mistakes when presenting it.
By acknowledging these mistakes, you can go back, correct your mistakes, and move on correctly.
Often times, catching your mistake shows how knowledgeable you are about the subject, not a lack of knowledge.
It comes with the territory. Discussing difficult material can lead to mistakes. If this stuff was easy, there would be no reason to go to school to learn it.
Oh yes, I always appreciate the additional interaction when discussing topics at hand.
Hi Aaron,
You are right! Students can sometimes really make other students see things a lot clearer. Some students are just valuable to the classroom.
Patrici
I also think it is great to get feedback from students. Sometimes they can add great information from their own life to drive ideas home.
I recently had one student ask for clarification about a topic, which I explained again. Then, another student raised their hand to add to what I said. Interesting enough, it was what the other student added that helped the first student understand the topic.
The students sometimes help you out of jams!
Hi Tina,
Students will come to your rescue at times when you make a mistake whenever they know it is just an honest mistake. Students really do understand that we are human, and we too make mistakes.
Patricia
agree, alot of times students will jump in and defuse any mistake that was mistake, and humor always helps.
That is so true. Errors are bound to happen but it how we handle them that makes the difference. We can not be flustered and embarrassed. We are not perfect, but acknowledging the mistake, fixing it and moving on is key. Many test banks have errors and it is a great sign when a student asks why their answer isn't right and can give great back up to it. That shows that they are paying attention and learning. Isn't that what this is all about?
Hi Jerry,
We all make mistakes; accept them and move on. One of the biggest mistakes new teachers make is to tell students this is their first time teaching. This information is irrelevant, and it opens up a can of worms.
Patricia
When I first started, I made the mistake of saying this was my first time teaching. After getting over my nervousness, I realized I was incorrect. I had been teaching for years, just to small groups in an operating room setting. The first thing I did the next class was to admit my mistake and explain to them my role as a professional and as an educator in a different setting and the class changed their mindset. I learned to think before I speak and I also learned how much weight with your students admitting you made a mistake carries. They realize you are human too!
Hi Timothy,
Great response! Great points made, you are right we as experienced professionals must learn that we do not need to give our students too much information so that they feel overwhelmed. We need to give them what they need to know to begin their career at the entry level point and be successful.
Patricia
Hi Roman,
You are the expert and everyday you have to have your "A" game on. Students look up to us to be extremely knowledgeable.
Patricia
Preparation! By preparing enough lectures and activities to fill double the class time, you will have more than enough material to go over in case lectures move more quickly than you anticipated.
You can also plan contingency lessons to fill 15-20 minutes in case of technical difficulties or personal emergencies.
Prepare for the inevitable. Use time management and plan your lesson ahead of time instead of "winging it" when class begins. Know what you are going to talk about and have a plan ready.
