When faced with a question that I am unsure of the answer, I tell the students that I have had limited opportunities to practice a particular task, so my memory is a bit foggy. But, I do tell them that I will get the answer and provide them with it (follow through is mandatory to maintain their trust in me).
Other common mistakes that I am familiar with are those instructors who: announce that this is their first time teaching; give creedence to the rumor mill through a lack of positive feedback; and make unintentional comments about equipment or supplies, just to name a few.
observations and team meetings help with instructor growth.
I don't care how seasoned and experienced an instructor is, they will make mistakes from time to time. Staying aware of this and being willing to admit when they make a mistake goes a long way in gaining students respect for their instructor's integrity. Admitting when mistakes are made can help avoid making similar mistakes in the future because it tends to make one more consciencious as time passes.
Hi Robert,
Isn't that true? Everyone makes mistakes. Simply own up to the mistake and move forward. Students know that as instructors we are not perfect. Using the courtesy title, Mr. or Ms. is such a smart tatic to show respect as well as drawing the line--I am not your buddy, I am your instructor.
Patricia
Everyone makes mistakes. If I make a mistake, I will own up to it. As an instructor I always address my students as Mr. or Ms. I do this because all my students are adults and I do not want to be their buddy.
Hi LaDonna,
You are on point! Own up to your mistakes. Students give you a greater sense of respect when you are big enough to say, "I have made a mistake." You grow professionally when you learn from your mistakes, at least I do. Again, you are on point, the instructor sets the mood of the classroom. Hopefully, the mood you set in your classroom is positive and high energy.
Patricia
I do try to not discourage the fact that I do make mistakes! I make a point to state, yes I have made a mistake, but I have learned from my mistake by .... (this sets a good example). Also, I do agree that professionalism is the key, leave personal problems at home. Afterall, students react by the overall mood that a teacher sets in the classroom.
Hello Deborah,
Abosolutely, leave your personal problems at the door. Students can care less about your personal problems. We as professionals must remember, we must be professional at all times. As instructors, we set the tone of the class. I always smile and greet my students, regardless of my mood. I am known to be a very vivacious instructor. Students love positive energy from the leader.
Patricia
Leave your problems at the door. No matter what your mood, put a smile on when you walk in that door and greet everyone and your mood will improve.
Hey Pam,
You and I are exactly alike whenever it comes to admitting mistakes. I simply own up to the mistake and move forward. Students give you the utmost respect whenever you can admit you made a mistake. Afterall, as you have said we are only human. We are far from being perfect. I tell my students exactly as you do, if I don't know a response to a question, I let my students know immediately that I do not know, but I will have an answer for them the next day. Although we are educators, students understand that we don't know every thing.
If a mistake is made, I own up to the mistake and reinforce to my students that I too am human. Students respect the fact that as a human being we make mistakes. If I don't know an answer to a question that a students asks, I promptly tell them that I will find out the information and I will get back to them.
Hi Godo,
You've got it. We are instructors. We are not perfect. From time to time, we may make mistakes. The best thing to do is to own up to your mistakes and move forward, instead of trying to think of excuses. Students will have more respect for you, when you take responsibility for your actions. Preparation will help minimize mistakes, but making a mistake is bound to happen. Students realize we are human as well.
Patricia
Class preparation is certainly a solid method to avoid, or at least minimize mistakes, however, I am still bound to make a mistake here or there. So then, I always tell my students, specially on the first day of class: I am the SME, but I am not God. I am only a human, and I will make one mistake at the least, please bring it to my attention so we can correct it. For me this has worked fantastically well, and earns me their respect 90 to 95% of the time.
Hi Tom,
I solely agree with you, class preparation is extremely important to help avoid commonly made instructor mistakes. Students can tell very quickly when an instructor is unprepared. Unpreparedness will cause an instrutor to lose credibility. We are all human, and from time to time, we as instructors may make mistakes. Own up to your mistakes and move forward. Students will have greater respect for you, if you take responsibility for your actions. You are right, as adult students, students can see right through things. The old saying still is true, if you mess up "fess" up.
Patricia
