Hi Kim,
You make sure you thoroughly cover EVERYTHING that will be on the test, and if time permits casually mention other things. Remember, time is of the essence.
Patricia Scales
I really like to hear that others have some concerns on how to make sure that you are covering things well enough. I am new at this and I can wait to use the idea with how well i need to explain something. this I hope will ease my concerns that I am covering all that is needed to be taught.
Practice what you will be teaching. Keeping your knowledge up to date. Learn and read as well as take the test that you will be giving the students. Test your knowledge... It is ok to make mistakes as we are all human. You also must take ownership of your mistake. This keep your morals and trust amoung the students.
I appreciate this cute saying and will place it in my notebook as a friendly reminder.
First thing, being aware of them. Then being perceptive of yourself. When I first began teaching, I use to keep a journal. Each day I would make an entry about my teaching. I would reflect on the day. I would ask if there was anything I would have done differently and if so what would I have done differently. It made me think about my teaching and to make improvements where I needed.
This is always important - what I call the "bag of tricks" for when an overall semester schedule may get off by a day or so due to various causes, or when you can just sense that a planned lecture or activity isn't clicking the way you expected, or when a lecture goes by a lot quicker than you expected...
I have not been teaching long, only about 3 years, and I have made some mistakes and I am sure I will make more. This information was laid out well for me to notice some of the mistakes I have made. Wish I would have had this information a long time ago.
Hi Jaclyn,
You have it! Students will lose all credibility for you if you do not have confidence in your abilities!
Patricia Scales
One of the biggest mistakes I have seen is a loss of confidence. You have to believe you know what you are doing and teaching. Once you lose your confidence, your students will lose confidence in you. Trust yourself and your experience.
As I am a new instuctor, this is something that I am learning to do as I continue in my first term of teaching. The goal that I hope to convey to my students is that everybody was once new at something, and just as they are new to this field, I also new to the teaching enviroment, and I am human.
Hi June,
Planning is paramount to becoming an effective teacher. Those who fail to plan, may possibly fail.
Patricia Scales
One of my biggest mistakes when I began teaching was rushing into one of my classes without a clear and organized plan (after a very busy weekend). I make sure now that if life gets in the way and I can not fully prepare for a class, I always have an emergency lesson plan for each course I am teaching.
First, I realize that I am still learning, also. I don't have all the answers and I am not afraid to admit that. Second, I try to focus on the students and try to put myself in their shoes and develop my lectures to engage them. Lastly, I have a checklist of what I need to do when while lecturing.
It is most important to be prepared with material for the whole class time. I have some back-up articles and activities that I can pull out if I run short. I let the flow of the class happen and not be overly controlling or on a too strict time frame. I also try to be myself and not try to copy the other teachers who are well liked.
I like to study teaching methods as well as keeping abreast of new trends in my field. That way I can keep up with my brightest and most inquisitive students and answer their questions intelligently, thereby earning students' respect.
I appreciate you discussing the challenges that some seasoned instructors make. I am a new instructor that is trying to absorb an abundance of information. At the same time, I have much to offer to my current program. It does not help if there are instructors that are steadfast in their ways and unwilling to collaborate with others. I think no matter where you are in your professional career as an instructor; there are always opportunities for growth.
TO STOP ACTING AS IF YOU KNOW EVERYTHING, JUST BECAUSE YOU TEACH OR INSTRUCT THE COURSE. KEEP IN MIND YOU ONCE WAS A STUDENT: AND IN THIS DATE AND TIME NOT ALL STUDENTS ARE GOOD STUDENTS.
I appreciate Paul's insights! The new hire and the seasoned professional's have different expereince and perspective, but daily growth as an educator is a must. A writting lesson plan that includes not just WHAT is being addressed in class but the exact HOW must be detailed as well. Often I observe a lack of preparation and collaboration (with fellow teacher's) when is comes to lesson planning. An added effort to collaborate within a campus or cross-campus (if applicable) would stimulate the seasoned instructor. Feel free to explore Virtual Guest Speakers to class with available technology to mix it up a bit! :)
As a new instructor, I am always trying to learn from my mistakes, I am sure to make new ones but will not make the same ones and am better prepared when the situation arises next time
Hi Laurie,
On a side note, students would live to hear your personal stories as they apply to the content. You should have a lot to share with your students having 9 years of practical experience. Trying playing games, role playing, mock learning, scenarios, case studies, guest speakers, field trips, etc.
Patricia Scales
