Hi Terrie,
I agree! I do not care how effective of an instructor you are, there is always room for improvement. Continue to work on pefecting the art of teaching. I have been teaching for more than 25 years, and I am still trying to become better. There is always room for growth.
Patricia Scales
No matter how many times you have presented information there is always a way to improve. I loved the bit about evaluating at the end of each day what went well and what did not. I think at the end of an exam is also a good place to evaluate what sections of an exam the students seemed prepared for and what sections could be improved.
It is very important to keep a professional distance. Students are there to get instructions and teacheres are there to provide instructions. It is more important to gain respect from students than likings. If teachers are fair, consistent and dedicated, they will automatically earn respect. Teachers should also not discuss their personal problems in the classroom.
I think this poem is fantastic. As a new instructor I am always concerned about whether I will even know what I am walking in to. But, I have the attitude that I Will do my best, and if it is not good enough, I will learn from my mistakes, re-evaluate, and go back better than ever.
Great comment! Experienced instructors can get 'stale', if they do not keep up-to-date with the new developments in their field, so a rigid routine might make you look like a comedian telling old jokes.
knowing that I am not the only one that had or has jitters about teaching classes, is noteable because i am not alone, but it doesnt help ME that much. I am a worry wart...lol. I tend to talk fast when i know the subject yet nervous. Yes, i am getting better but still with possible new students each week I stress that i can continue to get my point across and not loosing them.
Hi Julie,
All students need structure, even at the collegian level, and structure comes through classroom management. The instructor must control the class in every way.
Patricia Scales
I think the best way to avoid making common instructor mistakes is to remain conscientious. Being aware of deadlines, priorities, and staying organized can reduce errors and provide a professional, respectable image for students. An instructor must remember that the students are not their "friends". They are in a position of authority and need to maintain control of the classroom. Setting standards and providing expectation in the very first meeting with students is essential in gaining control and reducing mistakes.
Hi Peggy,
I can tell you take your position seriously! Continue to be one of the best in your profession! Preparation is key to your success and the students' success.
Patricia Scales
I am an over-preparer. I like to have plenty of time on my class preparation as well as how I want the whole course to flow. This gives me time to tweak items that need to be tweaked, keeps my workload manageable for the unforeseen and stressful additions and provides a better sense of comfort in the class. I like to prevent future mistakes by evaluating a class period or previous mistake and come up with a solution/better way to avoid its reoccurrence.
Hi Cynthia
It is best to let your students know when you don't know something. No one knows everything! Honesty is the best policy. Students can tell when you do not know, but you act like you do know. Students will respect you more when you admit to not knowing, but you will find the answer for them.
Patricia Scales
I agree completely and I tell my students that I never did know all of the answers and I'm not afraid to say that. We are all here to learn. If we knew everything we wouldn't need to be here at all. I keep trying better ways to get the point across to them.
As mentioned always over plan for the day. And I always like to think of things that might happen that could disrupt the class. Since I teach many computer based courses, I have a plan B set aside, just incase we have technical difficulties in the classroom. You never want to waste a day, with poor planning or technical issues, so having a back up plan is always good to have just in case something happens. I always tell other instructors, it is good to stay flexible and go with the flow of the class, and not be afraid to change the schedule up if it needs to, or how the subject matter is being approached. So people learn in different ways, and may need multiple approaches for the information to sink in.
I agree with you Kisha. I learn something new every time I teach a class, and sometimes my students will ask a question that I've never even thought about, which makes me have to do some homework!
Plus one on being prepared. Also, have a colleague or mentor critique you after observing you instruct.
Richard,
Preparation is key! Students can quickly tell when you are unprepared.
Patricia Scales
Hi Gwendolyn,
Great strategies mentioned! We should certainly be the professional that we want our students to become!
Patricia Scales
The easiest way to avoid common mistakes is to be prepared. It also helps to practice your delivery in class. There are also professional development classes offered at colleges that teach different classroom management techniques. Since these classes will be filled with other adults furthering their education, it would be good practice to try out some techniques in a friendly environment.
Some ways to avoid commonly made instructor mistakes is to Set standards for your students, this way the know what is the expected behavior. Don't bring personal problems into classroom, that is not showing professionism. Don't try to be buddies with students. Provide leadership and direction instead. Provide simple support to allow the student to grasp the concepts and princles. Prepare a syllabus so you have direction. Using these strategies will enable an instructor to avodi mistakes
One way to avoid commonly made instructor mistakes is to remember that there is particular emphasis on professionalism in the career college setting. Remembering ones' own professionalism will help to reduce the risk of some of the commonly made mistakes.
