I think one of the worst mistakes that you can make as an instructor is getting too close with your students. You can't be friends with your students. You can care about your students without befriending them.
Bonnie
I have found that through discusion with other instructors, I have avoided some commonly made instructor mistakes. New instructors are are always challenged by the question, "So this is the first time teaching?" Generally, the student is probing the instructor to see what they can do or not do based on the instructors experience in teaching. Many field expeienced professionals have had to train personnel in their areas of knowledge. Use your field training experiences as prior teaching experiences and confidently transition into the classroom.
Hi Peter,
Students will quickly catch on to lack of preparation. This lack of preparation can damage an instructor's reputation.
Patricia
Hi Thomas,
I feel as though being a parent and a manager allow you to be a very effective teacher. These three areas have a lot in common.
Patricia
Hi Taxpulat,
Please provide an example of a learning objective that was unclear. Objectives should be written accurately and concisely.
Patricia
I agree that being prepared is the most important strategy. For each class, I create an outline with bullet points of what I am planning to teach.
I include options for activities under each section of the outline so I can choose an activity during class depending on how the class is going. I have group activities, pair activities, individual activities, internet activities, and activities where they need to get up and walk somewhere in the building. I have found that having options prepared allows me to be flexible during class.
I make sure I have copied and organized any handouts or quizzes I have prepared for the class so I am not searching through lots of paper while the students wait.
After I correct a set of papers and send my feedback individually to each student, I prepare a summary of the feedback overall to share with the class. I also use examples (changing any identifying details) from their papers for practice on grammar and usage.
Hi Carrie,
For new instructors before the first day of class this list can serve as a proactive list instead of a reactive list. Brand new instructors can really benefit from this before the first day of class.
Patricia
By being OVER prepared for the class....this sets the tone and if you can keep the class busy and on track then things will go smoother. Also, knowing your students (by name) shows them your respect for them and makes it personal. Respect and organization should elimiate a classroom gone wild. MOST importantly setting the tone from day one with your expectations and what is rtequired and enforce this.....one slip and you will likley lose control
Hi
As mentioned by the other people in this thread, a common way to avoid mistakes is to prepare fully for the course.
This would include understanding all assignments of the course, the grading, a clear late policy, a clear plagarism policy as well as any other related issues for your course (group projects....).
You should have read everything required by the students to read and be able to assist them as they have questions and problems. Ideally you should also be able offer some "real world" examples to relate the material to the students.
When a mistake does occur - always be honest and admit your mistake.
Jocelyn M. Dervis
Hi Sara,
Super points expressed! You have to map things out when you are an instructor. The plan has to be in place. It is always good to have more than enough materials. I like how you give the students an additional acitivity for reinforcement.
Patricia
Hi Stanley,
Nice response! You are on point! At any educational institution the student is the number 1 customer!
Patricia
Unclear objective is a common instructor mistake. An objective, or the description of what is expected of the student, is the foundation of a quality lesson plan. Be sure your expectations are clear and concise, so that there will be no confusion.
Hi Charlin,
No one knows everything. Research to broaden your knowledge base if a question is asked and you are unable to answer it.
Patricia
Hi Michaelle,
No, you are not taking the wind out of the sail. You are simply being honest. It is better than to say "No one gets an A." I am sure you have had those diligent workers get an "A". You may not have very many A's, but I am sure you have a few. I teach a course like this as well, and I use the same speil.
Patricia
Learn from yours and other instructors mistakes. As I have stated before, I will ask my students to write down what they don't like about the class or what they don't like about my teaching methods (i.e. long lectures, test designs,etc...).They are the ones that will point mistakes out to you, if you approach it in the right way. I do believe my experience in life has given me the opportunity NOT to make many of the mistakes that new instructors make. Being a parent and a manager you bring that experience to the class environment.
Preparation! I am a new instructor and after completing this module I have realized I have made many mistakes. Most of the mistakes I made could have been avoided if I was better prepared for my classes. I liked the suggestion to prepare twice as much material as may be needed for class. I have had many experiences where things are going along just fine, and when I reach the end the the material I prepared I realized I still had 30+ minutes of class time. Because it was too early to let the students go, I would have to make up an activity on the spot. This often led to confusion and the appearance of being disorganized. I could tell that the students caught on to my lack of preparation.
Hi Richard,
What a great way to prepare students for the business world. Your students will always appreciate this type of lesson.
Patricia
Hi Richard,
In my career class we do a lot of role playing. My students and I critique each other. It is a wonderful learning experience.
Patricia
Hi William,
It is great to have a great support team in more ways than one when you are new to the profession. I can tell you appreciate what your family did for you.
Patricia
After reading through the list, I realized that I did commit a few new instructor mistakes when I first started teaching. At this point, I think I have worked out the kinks. I think this would be an excellent section to introduce to brand new instructors, even before the first day of class!
