mistakes
After 11 years of teaching and just when I think I've made every mistake possible I find something new. I've mispronounced words, made errors on tests, explained things backwards and just about anything you can think of. I have learned that you just have to keep your sense of humor at all times and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself and admit when you make a mistake. Students are pretty understanding especially if you correct your mistakes. If I have a bad question on a test and students make a valid point I throw it out and everyone gets that point. When students question something as long as they can show me where in their textbook it says different then I have no problem correcting things.
At the career college where I teach after each class has ended the instructor is expected to create a portfolio of that class experience. The portfolio includes grade sheets, syllabi's, lesson plans, homework assignment, tests, finals, projects and reports. If the instructor is given this same class to teach again they are to retrieve the previous portfolio and update it. I have found that jotting down certain mistakes or changes I want to make when compiling my portfolio is very helpful if I am asked to teach the class again. I retrieve the previous portfolio pull out my notes from the class I taught prior and use those to make any necessary adjustment so that I do not make the same mistakes.
Hi Julie,
Exactly what you did. I would have certainly given him credit for a good catch.
Patricia
Patricia and all-
Ha! Just last week I taught a live lecture online and a student sent me an email asking about my reference.
He did his own research and found my same material 'but' mine did not have a reference!
Ooops!
In his email he provided me the link where the information was so I just posted an announcement with an apology.
What else can one do?
What would you have done?
Hi Robert,
We all make mistakes. They are bound to happen, when a mistake is made confess and learn from it.
Patricia
One thing I do tell my students thier first day of class is, "welcome to the first day of learning for the rest of your life!" I admit to them that I learn something new everyday about my field. I may have been doing this for 32 years...but I still learn daily. If not from the other instructors, but from the students as well.
Admitting to your mistakes to the students, clearly shows them that you are human also. And, more importantly, you are constantly learning also.
