Avoiding common instructor mistakes
What are some ways you can avoid commonly made instructor mistakes?
Reply to Kay Newton's post:these are very good insights thank you
ezcardinfo
Knowing you course and spending the time in prep and taking notes every time you teach the course will help you avoid mistakes. But then they do happen, laugh about it and apologize and move on.
I feel teaching is actually the ultimate learning forum
When I was a new instructor some of the mistakes I made were being to friendly with the students. I had to learn that when it backfired on me, just to learn that it has happened to other instructors in the past.
One mistake I see instructors make is staying in class during breaks. This is a much needed time for both instructors and students to regroup. Two things can happen if the instructor remains in the class. They may inadvertently continue with the lesson while some of the students are not present by answer questions that students may have. The questions posed and answers given my be helpful for those who are not in the class at that time. Also it may become a prying session or the instructor may get involved in conversations that they should not. The invisible line can be crossed. If break time is to be used as a tutoring session, or Q&A then this should be stated to the entire class so all can participate if they wish to.
Break time give both the instructor and student time to refresh them selves and get re-focused for the next session of class.
One good method is to create a list of those commonly made instructor mistakes. Instructors can review those lists periodically, and make notes under each mistake. If they have a made a mistake, they can include what they can do differently.
What a great quote to remember!
While I have lesson plans and notes on how my classes went, I'm constantly updating my presentations and finding new things to make them better.
Someone once told me that a teacher's notes should never be yellowed with age, but on fresh, new paper to show that it's constantly being improved upon.
One way of avoiding common instructor mistakes is to always be prepared for class. If you are a new instructor you must have a solid lesson plan that will keep you on track.
I found that observing other more experienced instructors in class before I taught on my own was very helpful and kept me on track.
Three things come to mind, preparation is a must, don't try to be a buddy, and get a mix of media to deliver a varied class experience. The knowledge, skills, and ability come from a wide range of activities, not just listening to a lecture everyday. So not being prepared is easy to avoid, staying friendly without being to close is a key to respect and having a mixed activity approach means maintaining interest throughout the course.
One way that can be done is to come to class prepared. If you are prepared then when you lecture things will flow smoothly and you will also be able to answer questions. Don't be afraid to say, I don't know the answer to that. I will find out for you.
I have been teaching quite a while, and moving from a university setting to a career oriented school, and clearly, I have to be called a snob. The phrase "this isn't day-care" rang a bell for me.
The issue for me is a recognition of the various ways of support I can offer these serious, committed students who could care less about the renaissance, but are deeply interested in success in their chosen fields. I can offer them (and will) a variety of supports--hand outs, audio/video links, professional websites and tutorials that are directly meaningful/applicable to their goals.
Mainly, it's a realization on my part that their goals are not mine, but are equally as valuable.
Thanks for that one "this isn't day-care" piece.
Ed
Teaching the medical sciences can be challenging as things are constantly changing. I find it is really important to try and stay as current as possible with the new methods constantly coming out. But when a student asks a question I may not have the answer too, I want to make sure that I am honest and let them know that I really don't know. I give the class the opportunity at that time to research this question as I will. It's a great way to stimulate an extra credit or research project. In addition, it is now more knowledge for me to share with the next class!
I agree with this. I too am a fairly new instructor and I know I have a lot of room for improvement. I am confident in my ability to teach but know there is always room for improvement.
Hi Roxanne,
We all make mistakes. Learn from each mistake you make and move forward.
Patricia Scales
I AM A NEW TRACHER AND I MAKE A LOT OF MISTAKES BUT Learning how to deal with them will help me makeless. The history of working in the field I am teaching has helped the student to become confident in themselfs knowing that what they are learning is still working for me in the salon today.
Hi Rodney,
Happy to hear that you are big enough to learn from this misunderstanding. I can tell you really do want the best for your students.
Patricia Scales
I found out about a mistake I made in perception with a student last year towards the end of her schooling that she had been holding against me since the first day of school. I made a comment at the first day that students were never given A's in my classroom, they were only earned. I found out much later from the student that the reason she always had a problem with me is because she thought I had told the students that no one got an A in my class, which is incorrect because many students earn A's in my classes. I found that the damage had been done though and she still always felt that she could not meet my standards. I now just tell student that grades in my class are earned and not given to avoid any miscommunication.
Yes, it is very good to make sure that you cover everything , thatyou will be putting on a test. Also an Instructor must present a test , if he said that he would be giving a test on a specific day. It is a mistake if you forget. You will lose students trust ...
