Laughing at yourself...
When I make a mistake, I point it out and make it a learning moment... whether it is making hollandaise or beurre blanc, I always say "Okay, this is how "NOT TO" make the sauce!" Usually I will get some laughter but then I go into what made the sauce break or why the heat was too hot, etc. What you need to do is show that you must understand how to fix the problem and not give up. I make that the learning outcome. How to fix the problem is what we are trying to teach the students as well.
~Louis
Hi Elizabeth,
This is real life. I have a very southern accent, and students pick with me about my accent. I let them know this is what you will encounter in the real world; get use to it.
Patricia
I had made a wrong pronunciation of a specific word. The student questioned me and we both laughed. I made sure my accent was right the next time I pronounced the foreign word. I also focused on letting the students know that once they are reporting out in their field, you will hear all kinds of accents and pronunciation of words.
I totally agree! It's okay to make mistake during your demos and it's also okay to tell the students that you've made the mistake. This will actually let the student know that it's okay if they make a mistake too and that they don't need to be scared of making mistakes...it happens! And turning it into a learning opportunity is important...because most likely, they will make the same mistakes that you've made.
Knowing that they've made a mistake is one thing, but knowing why and how they've made that mistake and knowing how to fix the mistake only strengthen their confidence and empowers their knowledge.
Absolutely! This is a great form to teach how to fix mistakes. This I have also found as a tool to hold student accountable. Many time I might forget to add an ingredient or have forgotten a step in the procedure, at which point some students will point it out. If not, then I hold the class responsible for not letting me know about the situation. At this point, it let's me know who come prepared to class & have read today's production.
Hi Stacey,
Nicely responded to! Many times I can recall where I had to make the best out of the situation. Things will come about, deal with them and move forward.
Patricia
I agree that this is a good method for correcting your mistake and turning it into a positive learning experience. Afterall, no matter how how hard you try out in the industry things will not always go as planned. A huge part of the job will be finding a way to turn a negative into a positive.
Hi Dan,
I teach various computer courses, and I use this tactic as well. I will do something wrong purposely so that the students know if you do this and get this ... then you have done it wrong. Then I show them how to do it right. Students typically learn from this stragegy.
Patricia
Hi Cheryl,
It is good when we can laugh. Mistakes will happen, don't beat yourself up over them.
Patricia
I think that this is true not only in the classroom, but in your personal life as well. I always admit my mistakes in the classroom, it helps the students see that we are human too. It also helps them see that we can work to solve problems and not just leave it as is because we are instructors.
I agree with that, and sometimes I will do mistakes in purpose, so I could teach my student how to fix it... and through a little humour too, that always help and make the student understand that it is ok to make mistakes, and that is the best way to learn... from mistakes, so we all know what not to do...
Hi Marcia,
I apply it to my personal life also. It is good when we can laugh. Laughter is not a bad thing.
Patricia
Not only works as an instuctor, applies to business world as well.
Hi Marcia,
Absolutely! Admit it and move on. Students truly appreciate the honesty.
Patricia
Open honest communication works best - admit it!
Yes, I agree. We all make mistakes. I think it's important for the students to know we too are human. How to fix mistakes is also an important lesson for them to learn. In doing this, we show that we understand what we are doing.
