Hi James,
Mistakes will happen! Try to avoid them at all cost, but when they do happen, learn from each.
Patricia Scales
Relying on fellow workers and Instructors. asking for advise and allowing people to show you their system. you don't have to emulate his/her systems 100% but can definetely take a little bit form each person. being humble and preparing for class each and every time is the key to success.
We need to be constantly open to new ideas and ways of doing things. That can be difficult as we all get into ruts. It is good to be reminded and to take a fresh view of your techniques.
A good way to avaoid making common instructor mistrakes is to make some, then learn from them. I don't mean to be flip, but as the Professor in the video from Harvard said, no one starts out as doing the right thing well. You have to do the wrong thing well, or the right thing poorly before you can get to the desired position. And that takes practice.
Taking courses like this, taking education classes from a college or university, attending seminars and Webinars, workshops, and other types of learning experiences will help you figure out what is right and what is wrong. You can also get that from student feed back. You don't have to wait until the end of the term to do an evaluation. They can be informal and often.
I believe the best way is what i learned in the course. Be aware of the mistakes and do my best to avoid them.
Paul, you have hit the nail right on the head! I, too, have seen instructors who have been teaching the same material the same way so long, they get lazy. And they resent shen someone else wants to try a new technique, new book, new whatever because it threatens them. Teaching is, or should be, hard work in which the creative juices flow.
Hi Staci,
Mistakes are inevitable. Use each mistake as a lesson learned. Pick your seasoned instructors brain for advice/guidance.
Patricia Scales
Reading the module made me realize I've made most of these mistakes. I am definitely going to be more vigilant to avoid repeating the same cycle the more classes I teach.
I think that no matter how much you prepare or practice, some mistakes are going to be made. I think realizing and accepting that is part of the process of becoming a better teacher. Being aware of your mistakes as they happen and reflecting on those mistakes will make you a better teacher. As the course content suggested, it's a good idea to take note of what worked and what didn't work after each class, and to apply this knowledge the next time the class is taught. I'm a big believer in this. You just never know how a group of students will react to a certain assignment or activity until you do it. All in all, I think making mistakes, learning from them, and revising your teaching strategies is what being an effective teacher is all about.
Hi Eboni,
Preparation is key! Idol time is never good for students.
Patricia Scales
Being prepared for class, starting on time. This avoids idol discussion that can lead to becoming distracted.
Hi Stacey,
I concur! Be friendly, but do not befriend students.
Patricia Scales
It is hard to draw the line between being a friend/being liked, and remaining professional. This is a common mistake I see- and you have to remember that this is your career, and the students see you as a career professional. Anything less loses respect.
Hi Harrison,
Preparation is key! Use every mistake made as a lesson learned.
Patricia Scales
By being prepaired and confident. Getting to know your students names and dont be afraid to make mistakes, we are not perfect and make humor of it when you do.
Hi Erica,
It comes with the profession! You are going to make mistakes. After teaching for over 23 years, I still make mistkakes. Continue to work with seasoned instructors and take their advice to minimize your mistakes. Keep trying hard.
Patricia Scales
I think one of the best ways possible is to not share social media relationships. I've heard so many instructors speak of student friendships on their personal pages. Such decisions are usually counterproductive and undermines the professional relationship.
Being a new instructor I look to colleagues to help guide me into not making common mistakes, but do you think being new it will still happen anyway? i hope to prevent it as much as possible to make the least amount of mistakes as possible?
By reviewing this part of the course often. I like the way the common errors where laid out for us. Thank you.
Hi Latasha,
I tell my students to double check and triple check their work, and I too practice what I preach to my students. Mistakes will happen, but they are less when you check after yourself.
Patricia Scales
