Hi Donna,
Your eyes really open up quickly even to the adult learners. Even adult learners will try to take advantage of the instructor.
Patricia Scales
Try your best to be organized. If you don't know an answer to a question, I don't take it personally, I just tell them that that is a very good question, and tell them that I will get back to them on that answer because I would like to know it too. I don't think that makes me look like I don't know what I am talking about, but it may show that I need further clarification and that I am still willing to learn.
I am also relatively new, one year, and I cannot tell you how much my students have taught me. I learn something new every day. My first quarter (phase)of teaching I ran around trying to find students who were missing work so they could make it up. I have since realized this responsibility belongs to the student. I now emphasize in my syllabus the importance of anyone missing assignments must follow through and get the necessary papers to make up the work. That it is the 'students' responsibility, not mine.
I love teaching.
I found that I started keeping a teaching journal. I would plan an activity and record the outcome. It helped me to know what works and what does not.
I still can be fooled by the 'apple polishing' students. It takes a couple of missed assignments before I get it. I guess it is because I find it hard to believe that anyone would spend time and money to NOT learn? But I am learning daily.
And I do expect adults to act as adults. Silly me.
I like creating activities that involve groups. I even asked each group to rate the percent of participation for each group member. If it is less than 100% then that person gets the designated percent of the group grade. It was surprising to see the shy quiet individuals and the loaners take an active role.
Great Class!
I agree.I find that every new class has to be assesed separate from the class before it in order to provide the best enviroment for learning.
One way to avoid new instructor mistakes is ask for advice from other instructors. Fellow teachers generally like to teach so they can often help.
Also, there is no need to volunteer that you don't know something. It won't help the students by you telling them that, it will simply put doubt in their minds about you.
Hi Robert,
Preparation is key! You can never go wrong by having too much to cover!
Patricia Scales
Make sure you are well prepared for the class. Go over your presentation materials a few times before the class; if possible rehearse the actual presentation. Incorporate the lessons/mistakes learned from previous presentations. Like we tell students, always get a good rest and meal before class.
I agree that you should not read it to the students. My power points always have pictures of the topic under discussion. The visuals are helpful for students to see what exactly I am talking about. It helps me to have key points for discussion on each slide, so I have a guide for the discussion, but not all of the information in front of me. The students have to listen and write down notes. If you are just going to read to them, you might as well just print it out and have them read it at home.
I really enjoyed this module. As an adjunct for over 30 years, I certainly can relate to the mistakes! Especially wantng students to like you. Also, as a group therapist I learned early that one needs to be over prepared!
Hi Erin,
Smart thinking! Age is only a number, show them that you are a mature knowledgeable professional instructor, and you are not there to befriend them.
Patricia Scales
Hi To-Mei,
As an instructor we certainly how to be very versatile because we encounter students with varied abilities.
Patricia Scales
To avoid commonly made instructor mistakes I try to set a clear boundry between my students and myself seeing as I am very young and it is a challenge for them to see me as an instructor. They do tend to see me as a buddy and I have to push away from this to avoid conflict.
I am a relatively new instructor as well so I start by introducing myself and the education I have in my background. It enforces the fact that I have been fully prepared for educating them.
Each student is unique and has different abilities. Sometimes I have to revise my lessons or my ways of teaching when I have encounter new students. I have to remind myself to be flexible and not to be stuck with only one way of doing things
I have attended classes where the instructor has announced on the first day that 'no one gets an 'A'.
I felt the instructor was arrogant and not worth my time and money. I dropped the class and found another instructor.
I never really understood why the instructor thought his behavior was a good way to teach.
Hi Robbi,
We all make mistakes,it happens to the best of us! Admit them, learn from them, and move on.
Patricia Scales
Hi David,
Preparation is key! You are much more effective when you have planned.
Patricia Scales
The best way to do this would be to better research and be aware of what these mistakes are. If you have the knowledge and awareness of them, you are less likely to commit them as well.
Being prepared for your class. Network with other instructors to see how they mange their classrooms and deal with common mistakes. If you do make an error admit to it and explain we are all human and get out the correct information. Maintian a professional attitude and appearance when in your campus enviornment. Dont let small issues turn into bigger ones. Deal with issues when they occur to avoid any increase in problems.
