Hello Darlene,
You said it. Only one person knows everything as indicated in your response. Whenever we don't know something, we should not feel bad, simply make sure the answer is found and move forward.
Patricia
Be prepared. Even if you have never taught a subject before, you can learn everything you possibly can get a hold of before class and brush up on your knowledge.
Have everything ready that you need for the class, handouts, study guides, PPTs, quizzes, etc. Make sure you can find them when you need them. Make sure you have copied the amount that you need before class so you do not use their time for class.
If you don't know the answer, admit it, but tell them you will find out for them. Or, better yet, tell the student that is a very good question. Have them find the answer and present to the class the next class period. This way, they will remember it much better than if you look it up and tell them. There is nothing wrong with that. Instructors can not possibly know everything. We are not "God". Do not try to be either.
Hi Dennis,
I truly understand why you would want to apologize, but really and truly you don't have to. Students understand that we are human, and we don't know everything, and we do make mistakes. Most students are very forgiving when we as educators make mistakes.
Patricia
Class prep / reflection on previous mistakes and discussion with other instructors has been a big help for me. Also If I make a mistake during the lesson I will quickly appologize for the mishap. This keeps the respect and trust level from dropping. Then if needed, I will recover that segment.
Hello Kenny,
As a seasoned instructor, never make it known to your students that you are new or it's your first time doing something. By stating these things you are giving your students gun power to fire at you. Students are not going to be any lenient on you, simply because you are inexperienced. Students wants you to be the guru in the particular subject area, and really that's all that matters.
Patricia
Class prep for sure, Have your self ready 2 days ahead, IE paper hand outs, test, workstations ready to be used. I had made the mistake about telling my first class about my experieance and followed it up with being my first class. Oh yeah they ate me up with questions Etc. Since then I had NEVER used that line again lol.
Hello Nicole,
The best way to avoid mistakes is to be well prepared. As an instructor, you should never go in the classroom to teach unprepared. Also, as a side note, you will notice that certain questions are always repetitive during a grading period on the same concept. I've been teaching for 21 years, and I can dictate what questions are going to occur and at what point in the lesson those questions will occur.
Patricia
I believe the best way to avoid most mistakes is to be well prepared prior to lecturing. Learning to anticipate questions that will be asked and knowing how to appropriately reply to those questions you do not know the answers for helps me the most.
Hi Craig,
You are absolutely right. You do not have to be a prison warden, but you must be firm and consistent. I always like to add fair to the list as well. These three attributes let students know you are not going to tolerate any foolishness.
Patricia
By proper preperation. Actually, it's good to over prepare. Try to stay focused and on topic. If you go off topic it is sometimes harder to get back on. Again stay focused. Don't let the students see you sweat. If you make a small mistake stop apologize and move on. The students will appreciate you for your honesty. Another important factor is to set the ground rules the first day. Don't be a prison warden but be firm and consistant. The students are there to learn and pick our brains. Information is the key!
Hi Tony,
What a response. You hit on some important areas. Never, ever, let your students see you sweat. You can be sweating bullets, but you must not let the students see the sweat.
Patricia
Know that you can make mistakes and admitt it if you do. Be over prepared and know your area of expertise 110%. No whinning about you're personal problems. Avoid long conversations and lectures on topics that don't relate to the subject. Take control of your class from day one and don't give up. And don't let them see you sweat.
Hi Edward,
Some people are good at "winging it". I must be prepared, otherwise, I feel as though things may fall apart. Great analogy you used in your response.
Patricia
I like preparedness, but I also like "winging it". It keeps me sharp and on my toes. I feel it also allows for better class participation. I may touch on a subject someone may have an interest in. The trick is to not let it get too off track or out of hand. I'm teaching manual transmissions, each part must do it's job. I sometimes throw out stories on making chilli or beef stew. Each ingredient must contribute. I have thousands of examples on how things(parts) must interact for the "whole" to work. I don't plan which story to use. That's what I mean by "winging it".
Hi Edward,
I am always afraid to wing things when it comes to teaching. I am one that must be fully prepared.
Patricia
I do prepare for my class, but it's not a ridgid outline. I leave a little room for current events and how we can relate them to what we're doing. Today is the day after the "Superbowl". Everyone will be talking about that. I teach a course on manual transmissions. I'll say the team is like the cogs in the transmission. Everyone (or everything) must mesh for the team (transmission) to win. I'll wing it from there.
Hi Charlie,
Make the student believe that you are a guru in the particular subject area. The minute students determine your weaknesses, you have lost all credibility.
Patricia
Hello Paul,
Students absolutely love it when an instructor remembers their name. Remembering a student's name makes the student feel important, and afterall, students are very important.
Patricia
Avoid the telling of story that aren't related to the subject. Set goals not limitations for the students. Use the student's name as soon as possible and don't point. don't talk about your deficancys but your experiance.
Alway remember that the students need respect the same as you would want from them.
I have found that remembering all of my students names goes a long way with earning respect.
