Being unprepared will lead an instructor to "commit" most of the other errors in the module, such as "This is the first time I have taught this" , and presenting the facts of the course erroneously.
lack of experience,and not paying attention to subject matter
Hi Kim,
Pick an experienced instructor's brain. It is amazing the benefits you will receive from an experienced instructor.
Patricia
Hi Russell,
We all do make mistakes, and we will continue as long as we live. The key is to learn from your mistakes.
Patricia
We all make them. It takes time to work through them all, But if you do it long enough you learn.
Hi Shawn,
There is no need to perseverate on the mistake. Take it, learn from it, and move forward.
Patricia
I think that preparedness and an ability to move on and not perseverate on the mistakes that will be made is crucial
Hi Andrew,
What do you think icebreakers are invaluable on the first day?
Patricia
Hello Edward,
Nicely stated. Great elaboration.
Patricia
Hello Christine,
I can tell you get things done a head of time. Keep up the good work!
Patricia
What are some ways you can avoid commonly made instructor mistakes?
Hi Richard,
Absolutely. My thoughts are the exact same.
Patricia
Hi Ben,
Great idea about the scenario sheet pertaining to instrutors common classroom mistakes.
Patricia
Always prepare in advance and have tests and handouts ready for the next day. Review material you plan to present the night before. Show an organized front! Schedule your time so you have enought to accomplish your classroom goals.
Instructors need to have the confidence of the material. Lecturing/Working with students is not only something that is developed through time, but the basics of managing information dissemination should be part and parcel of a hired instructor's background. Otherwise, the mistakes will occur. Each college needs to have an orientation in place that covers these scenarios so instructors have a resource and an awareness of common classroom mistakes.
I agree, I do not demand respect. I beleive through my actions with students, it comes to me. The manner within which I treat students seems to foster their respect for me.
Command and demand are two different things when it comes to respect. Respect is commanded through through the way in which a person presents him/herself. The best example is that no one will respect you, if you do not respect your self. You are correct with your thougths of professionalism, demeanor and attitude. However, demand and command are two terms that are often used and confused. As an instructor, you can not demand for the student to respect you. Respect is commanded.
I find the value of an ice-breaker on the first day of class invaluable. You can sort students by time zones, aspirations etc. Taking the time to consider the students early in your classes lets them know how valued they are and it removes the "end all be all" stand that makes instructor mistakes so important.
Hi Laurie,
I've had a similar situtation. You have to do the very best that you can. Each time it will get better. It will take some time to perfect things. Hang in there.
Patricia
Some ways is to get feedback from experienced instructors of what did not work for them and what did work...Also if i read the students and factulty comments and complaints from instructor evaluations and grow from the mistakes that seems to work
