Not admitting that a mistake was made is one big problem with new instructors. To acknowledged the mistake in front of the class is always to best way!
Being overly prepared and setting up your lecture environment early, with plenty of time to relax, use the bathroom, have a cup of coffee etc...
I find that I've continually made the mistake of not being sure my media setup is working properly. And when it fails in front of students I do sometimes joke about it, to show I'm vulnerable... but I usually need several minutes to reboot or crawl around the floor to plug things in. Meanwhile I remind students that when they become working professionals, they might want to avoid my dilemma/poor example by double checking their connections ahead of time.
So it becomes part of the lesson, but its definitely something I need to improve upon!
thx
JG
Hi Wilbert,
Trying using name tents for the first few class meetings to help out with name memorization.
Patricia
My biggest challenge in this area is student names and I have told students that it is a problem for me. The class meeting weekly does not help. I now tell them that they have to pick a seat and stay in it for the 1st few classes. In the first class I ask them to use their name each time they are called on. This has helped, but it still takes me several classes to be able to call each student by name.
Keeping track of your mistakes..and taking notes and making changes.. will ensure you don't make the same mistake twice!
Hi Scott,
It is perfectly fine to be friendly with your students, but being their friend is definitely a no no.
Patricia
Hi Scott,
That's right! We are all people, and just because you are the instructor that does not make you better than the student.
Patricia
Hi Matthew,
I have been teaching for over 22 years, and it is amazing what I have learned from students. Students can certainly teach you how to survive; they also know a lot about fashions, etc. I teach my students about professionalism.
Patricia
Hi Lorraine,
I solely agree! Once students lose respect for you it is definitely hard to regain. You should always carry yourself as a professional.
Patricia
excellent point Lorraine. there is a difference in being "pleasant and friendly" and being "friends".
One of the biggest mistakes I have seen instructors make is that they tend to gain a friendship with students. As instructors we can not cross the line with students. They will lose respect for the instructor.
I completely agree. Luckily, career schools tend to cater to adult students who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. It's easy to respect them, because I'm constantly learning from them.
i feel another important factor is learning from your students and treat them with respect....a little respect goes a LONG way. never put yourself as the "instructor" on a pedestal.
As with many others above, I vote "yea" on preparation; a well-prepared instructor is likely to be more confident in his or her abilities, and rightly so. Confidence based on preparation will permit an instructor to deal with a host of classroom issues (and head off others before they start), because students will have more respect for the instructor who has done homework.
Yes. That instructors a) have something to learn, and b) are eager learners models life-long learning, which is something we try to instill in students. A person who is anxious to find answers (or to solve problems correctly and/or efficiently) sets him or herself up to succeed.
Failure is the basis for success, if you're able to learn from your mistakes.
Hi Scott,
That's right! Have a plan and follow it to stay on task. Having a plan and knowing how to follow the plan show your students that you are prepared.
Patricia
plan, write things down (task list), before going into class, plan what will be covered.
Hi June,
Nicely said! It is simple, lead by example.
Patricia
Never to talk about personal problems with the students. When you set rules for your students, also set example for your self as an instructor.
