New Instructor Mistakes
The first class I ever taught left me feeling ill prepared. After the first week, a student came to me at the end of class and whispered, "If you do more than just stand there when you lecture, those guys will pay attention. We like the subject, we just think you're boring". It was a rude awakening, but it made me think about how the class was seeing me, and make changes.
I like to turn my lecture into a discussion. I call on students to read the topic and we will all stop to discuss on the relevance of it to our job and life. This help them stay in tune with the topic and they can do more than just listen.
My first time as an instructor, what helped me to settle down quickly was that I was attached to a mentor who made sure that I had a successful first time in the class. This really helped a lot.
Hi Nicole,
Seasoned instructors can teach you the trick of the trade. Continue to utilize their expertise.
Patricia Scales
HI Camille,
You are right! In order to become experienced with something at one point you had to have been inexperienced. Continue to seek guidance from your seasoned instructors.
Patricia Scales
I too initially found it difficult being a new instructor and setting classroom rules. Talking with other instructors and getting advice from those with more experience was extremely helpful.
I have run into several of these issues in being a new instructor. I find it very helpful to talk to other instructors about my anxieties. Most people are very helpful and encouraging! They were new instructors at some point too!
Constructive criticism is always good to hear regardless to who it comes from
