On the first day during my introduction I let the students know my experence and background. I TELL THEM that we will refer to these experences from time to time when they apply to the learning experence offered in class.
Hi Steven,
It seems like you are very up front with your students. Honesty is the best policy. Students will respect you more, by you making it known that you do not know everything. No one knows everything.
Patricia
The most common Instructor mistake is not being clear with the class expectations. By letting the students know clearly what the expectations are there are fewer problems, and better cooperation. It is critical to set the expectations and then adhere to them by respecting the expectations gives value to you and their purpose in class.
I prefer to be as prepared as possible for any questions that may arise. However, I tell my students the first day that I am human, and I do make mistakes nor do I have all the answers.
Hi David,
Wow, you and I think alike. You've said it all. What a great response. I feel as you do. Continue to shine as instructor!
Patricia
Hi James,
What an awsome response! Do you follow this list? If you do, I know you are an effective instructor. If you don't, start because you said it all!
Patricia
The easiest way to avoid common instructor mistakes is to treat the students like you wish to be treated. Treat them with respect and honesty, don't belittle them, if you don't know the answer don't try to pull the wool over their eyes. Be a leader, be a mentor, do not try to be their friend, do not expect their abilities to match yours, let them make mistakes in class so they don't make them in the field. Don't get mad or frustrated when you answer the same question to the 10th person in one day. Above all, remember that the training aids are not yours!
Hello Charles,
It is good to know that you make an attempt to reach different type of learners. Keep up the great work!
Patricia
1. demonstrate expertise
2. Prepare for each daily lesson
3. have a human side
4. admit to making a mistake, bring attention to how it could have been avoided
5. have clear expectations
6. have clear assessments
7. have a plan B
8. improve classroom management
9. seek the advise of more senior instructors
10. be a good listener
Hi Eric,
You've said it. As educators, we are not our students buddy. We are their instructor. Being a student's buddy can cause all type of problems. I've seen what the teacher/buddy system can cause--it's not good.
Patricia
Hi Jim,
Isn't that true? Everyone makes mistakes and always will. Learn from your mistakes and move forward. Generally, we grow to become better humans by making mistakes.
Patricia
Hello,
I agree preparation is the key, when I develop lesson plans I try to take individual student needs into account in the plan.
For example, say I have a student that's a visual learner...I may plan an acivity that gets sthe student involved with the activity!
Charles
The biggest thing I do is to not be their buddy. I am there to teach them and if I do not set the expectations up front some sure want to take advantage. I see this all to often with many others.
We all make mistakes and always will....it is what you learn from your mistakes and learnings from others that will make a difference in future classes. If one does not learn and grow, step back and look how to make the education experience better, that will be the biggest mistake made.
Hi Ron,
Whenever you have the opportunity to train, please make sure you write down everything. You really need to pretend you are a student in most cases. I even require my instructors that train under another instructor to take the tests, quizzes, final exam, daily assignments, etc. It is certainly a great advantage to be able to "team teach".
Patricia
Hello William,
It is good pick other instructors' brains. You really can learn from the mistakes other instructors have made. By learning from other instructors, you can advance to a more effective teacher a lot quicker.
Patricia
Hi Mark,
Trial and error can at times be the best teacher. I've learned how to do a lot of things right by first doing them wrong.
Patricia
You avoid common mistakes first by learning from others and thier mistakes. second review in your mind or with family and friends what you are going to do and get feedback so that you can see where you are going.
I have found that if you are training in a new class , that you keep track of what is going on and what amount of time it consumed. When you are teaching , this will be a big help in keeping you on track so you don't get to far ahead.
I found that when i started teaching it wasnt as important to the students that you made a mistake just that instead of covering it up that you would do somthing to fix it so as not to let it happen again. There is no way to learn the proper way to do somthing without oing it wrong first.
