I agree! I see PowerPoints as a way to help students focus, and, at the same time, a form of lecture notes to follow as I'm presenting
I thought the statement on the quiz, "Is is better to have a class like you than it is for them to respect you" was very significant. You can kiss any classroom management out the window if you don't have the students' respect. I think this is a very common mistake for new instructors. You can build a relationship with students while at the same time be firm and consistant in your expectations. The students respond better when they have boundaries and know what's expected.
The first and most damaging behavior a new instructor can make is telling a class that this is their first time teaching. Automatically students will try to control the classroom, believe that the instructor is not good in their field or think that the class will be easy. New instructors are also trying to gain student acceptance by becoming too personal or not following the policies across the board with all students.
I remember the first time I taught a class, I was so worried that the students would not like me. What helped me, however, was to remember that I need their respect more than their approval. I established boundaries and rules at the beginning of class so that they knew what was expected of them, and I tried my best to stick to those rules and boundaries.
Hi Jonathan,
Great advice to newbies. Students love hearing stories as they apply to the lesson. Your students are fortunate to have you as their instructor, I am sure you are extremely knowledgeable because experience is certainly the best teacher.
Patricia Scales
adult business students are generally in school to get to a higher level at work. traditional undergrads are in business school so they can learn how to make lots of money. So it helps if the instructor has business experience, shares it, and asks students to share their war stories as well. This builds rapport quickly.
As a businessman, it's easy for me to get students interested, because they can see that I know what I'm talking about. For a new business instructor right out of school - it can be harder. My suggestion to such newbies is this: try to frame their academic success in terms of "climbing the ladder," a phrase everyone can relate to in any kind of career. Stress that navigating the process of doing well requires very similar effort in all fields - and while the new instructor may not be a self-made millionaire, s/he has gotten through college and landed a job that provides for a nice middle-class life. This is tangible success that anyone can understand (even students).
Hi Kristin,
Preparation is key, and certainly cofidence is a must as well. Knowledge is crucial also.
Patricia Scales
Make sure that you are prepared for class. Also have confidence in what you are doing and believe in yourself. That way the students will look up to you and come to you will questions.
Hi Clare,
A syllabus certainly adds great clarity. Listening is key! Sometimes students simply want us to listen. When you journalize, you always have something to reference.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kathy,
You are definitely on point! Seasoned instructors have a ton of great advice to share; pick their brains.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jesse,
I concur! Students trust instructors if they are confident, knowledgeable, professional, prepared, fair, and respectful.
Patricia Scales
It is important to focus on a learning experience that best benefits the students. Practicing your presentation the day before in front of someone is a good way to get out the nervousness and get positive feedback. Always remember to be confident in yourself. The students will see this and trust in the guidance you are giving them.
One way to avoid "common" instructor mistakes is by talking to other instructors and learning what mistakes they have made and what they learned from them. This passed down guidance and wisdom would be priceless.
Kathy
I think the first action to avoid mistakes is to be clear in the syllabus about expectations and requirements of the course. A detailed syllabus can answer questions that students may have about policy and is also a reference for assignment dates. Listening is a good way to connect with students and help them know that their success is important to you. Journaling about what works and what doesn't work can be helpful in growing/improving as an instructor.
Hi Denise,
We have to practice what we preach! Anxiety is normal, we just have to control it like we share with our students.
Patricia Scales
As a new instructor this is an advantage,, our anxiety propels us forward! We are all forced to be flexible just like our students are told!
Being mindful of the diversity in all classrooms seems to help in building rapport and maintaining a level of decorum within the class. I can see where the potential exists to have inadvertently made comments, taken out of context, and redefined from the perspective of the person or person of differing cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. It is imperative to maintain a non -judgmental approach to the classroom. I think this approach helps in having the non-judgmental environment reciprocated to the instructor.
Hi Nancy,
Planning is key! You must be proactive and not reactive.
Patricia Scales
Hi Christopher,
I concur! It is amazing what you can learn from a seasoned instructor. Pick the experienced instructor brain; they have tons of information they would love to share.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jay,
It is good to know that you make the assessment so that upcoming students are better prepared.
Patricia Scales
