admiting mistakes.
Students see instructors as though we know everything and we are always right. I let the students know when I am wrong, it's my way of saying that I am human too.
Terry,
I think students are generally forgiving of occasional mistakes made while instructing. Two kinds, one is errors in speech, written items, mistakes made on the spot while delivering the lesson. The other is forgotten material or incorrect facts that are discovered afterwards. In the latter case, it's best to tell the students about it, give the correct information, and accompany that with an apology. Like you, this can be used to demonstrate that a successful worker can make occasional mistakes but does not interfere with overall effectiveness.
Barry Westling
Many students see me as someone who does not make mistakes in my field. While I do not mess up on purpose, I do take advantage of the mistakes I make to show I can be less than perfect and still be very successful in my field. There are many times I can see a sigh of relief as they take in this new revelation.
Bill,
Humility and sincerity never go out of style.
Barry Westling
I agree.It lets the student know that we are just like them,a human being.
CARMEN,
I have found students enjoy stories, and past experiences can teach a lesson or memorable lesson as well as a lecture. Discussing the merits or the circumstances usually makes for an interesting and enjoyable class experience.
Barry Westling
I use mistakes I have made early in my career to highlight what was learned and ask the students their opinion as to what different avenues I could have chosen.
Carmina,
Humility will always overshadow firmness, and I think most students respect an instructor who can be honest, sincere, and acknowledge errors.
Barry Westling
This is very true. I like how you said that we are not "teaching machines." We are not perfect. We're humans, we make mistakes, we can learn from it, grow, and be a better person.
"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not the lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will."
Vince Lombardi
Amy,
Students will respect an instructor who admits they're not sure. Following up is key.
Barry Westling
You took the words out of my mouth. If there is something that I don't know then I will find the answer. I also like to have other nail technicians come in to the class room to speak to my students..doing that lets them see that there are different ways to do things.
David,
Interesting - I think humor is a great way to deflect any residue of intentional "gotcha". I too play off my errors with explantions that are riduculously outlandish, such as, "well, that's how they teach it on Mars", or something similar. The sillier the better, as it calls attention to an error but there is no fault associated with the faux pas.
Barry Westling
Patricia,
You've got a point about "instructor maturity". Humility and honesty go far in the eyes of students. Also, to say "interesting, I didn't know that" conveys a mutual respect for each other, an attribute that experienced and responsible instructors will want to exude.
Barry Westling
I've been corrected by my class a few times. I just smile, admit my mistake, and ask the person who corrected me (jokingly) if they would like to continue the lecture. Teaching a MRI quantum physics class, sometimes its hard to get the point across, and sometimes I get it erroneously. Hard to see those little protons.
Admitting to not knowing and making a mistake is definitely a connection to the adult learner by letting them know that you are also still learning. I also like to let them know when they have taught me something. In this new high tech world a lot of the younger than I am students are more comfortable with the function and ability of computer programs and phones. I always let them know when they have helped me with a technical problem; this helps to empower them and does not diminish their faith in my knowledge of what I am teaching. I also emphasize that learning is a life long pursuit and one should never stop learning or exploring.
Kimberly,
I agree for all ethical, moral, and general honesty reasons. Honesty is usually received as being genuine, and I think students appreciate the instructors straightforwardness to correct errors.
Barry Westling
When I make a mistake, I feel very obligated to correct my mistake and provide the students with the correct information. I have no problem admitting when I have make an error and do so in a professional manner.
I have utilized this situation to emphasize how critical it is to admit if you make a mistake. Giving incorrect dosages of medication and incorrect medication are some examples I have provided my students. If you make a mistake and you alert the DVM, it possible may be reversed. Not admitting a mistake or "hiding" an error may be life threatening to the patient. I emphasize it's upstanding to admit your errors and your Doctors will develop a trust level.
Jeremy,
This speaks to being fair, reasonable, genuine, and sincere. If we're "real" and convey kindness and reasonable responses to almost any situation, students are going to respect that and appreciate the honest and open demeanor.
Barry Westling
I believe that trying to convince students that you are always right and refusing to admit mistakes destroys your credibility and rapport with your them. On the other hand, when you admit to them and don't make excuses the students have more respect for you.
I also experience times when I don't know the answer to a question. Instead of making something up and looking silly, I admit that I don't have the answer and promise to find out the correct answer. Then of course I follow through with that promise.
Jennifer,
Honesty and humility are important traits that actually convey strength and maturity. I think most students appreciate when they observe sincerity in their instructors.
Barry Westling
