This is something I've done also. There is so much information beyond what the text contains, especially if it's one or two years old. The internet is a wealth of current information. I'll ask someone to look up an answer and bring it back to the class.
I find that my mistakes are always made due to lack of preparation. If I don't take the time to write adequate lesson plans or use thoughtful planning for instructional design, then I find my mistakes during the instructional process. Nothing is worse than getting caught making a mistake. The only thing worse than making a mistake is denial. So, the short side of this is have the courage to recognize and admit your mistake. The flip side of a mistake is an opportunity to correct it and not let it happen again.
Being prepared helps me not make mistakes, and handle class management issues more smoothly.
Hi Shelle,
Great idea! I always pair a new instructor with a seansoned instructor to learn the tricks of the trade. Why is important to know.
Patricia
Hi Laura,
It is always good for instructors to have more than one way to teach a concept. Some instructors have just one way, and that one way make not be able to reach every student.
Patricia
This is a great point Robert. Something more than one of my more experienced coworkers told me was that "you will build more credibility by telling a student that you do not know an answer than by dismissing them or giving a wrong answer". I found that coming back with the correct answer showed my commitment to teach my students and learn myself to be a better teacher.
Vision teaching the class as you prepare for the lecture. Brainstorm ideas and concepts that students may have a hard time grasping and then find two additional ways to teach the same concept.
Hi Dena,
I have learned that you should not beat yourself up when you make a mistake. They are inevitable, and everyone makes them.
Patricia
Error is part of being human. I am going to make mistakes, just as much as the next person. I accept my mistake, laugh about it, apologize & make mental note to not do it again! Sometimes laughing it off is the best thing to do.
Provide an orientation for new instructors and identify areas that are commonly considered "mistake" areas. Give the new instructor a "why you should not do this" explaination.
Hi Miranda,
I concur! Preparation is a must! Mistakes are inevitable. We all make them and will continue to do so as long as we live. As you have stated admit the mistake, correct the mistake, and keep it moving.
Patricia
Proper organization is a big key to avoiding common mistakes. It helps you know what you need to do in the class, what works, what doesn't work, and it shows the students that you are a competent and able instructor. I think another things is realizing that if you do make a mistake, it's not the end of the world. I've learned not to take myself too seriously. When you do, it tends to make the students nervous and uncomfortable. So if I goof, I laugh, admit my mistake, correct it, and move on.
Hi Stephanie,
I concur! Perfect way to handle this. Use it as a teachable moment for everyone.
Patricia
I think that is very important. Instructors can never know everything! I am upfront with my students if they have a question that I cannot answer, and we research it together. We all learn from it.
I can avoid commonlymistakes made by instructors by:
1) telling my class of my credentials and experiance in the field I am teaching.
2) avoid talking about person problems or personal experiances that don't have anything to do with the course.
3) take notes of any mistakes that I felt that I made so that I will be aware not to repeat them in the next class.
Hi Lori,
Preparation is key! Our students deserve nothing but the VERY BEST from us. We should give our students everything we have so that they can become the successful professionals that they are aiming to become.
Patricia
Hi Sherri,
As an instructor it is always good to find your own teaching style. Sometimes it is more harmful to try to be like another instructor.
Patricia
One of the best ways to avoid common instructor mistakes is to observe other teachers and mimic what you like, and vow to never do what you dislike!
I try and think of questions that students may have before they ask and prepare answers for review on the first night. One mistake that I made returning to the classroom was my name. I told them my name is : xxxx xxxx and I will be your instructor.
I know better now to add, I would like to be addressed as: xxxx cxxx
By not specifying, I left many confused and reluctant to ask questions because they did not know what to call me! A mistake I learned from.
Hi Mary,
I like what you have expressed! Teaching should be enjoyable. Things happen, and so what if you make a mistake! Learn from the mistake and move on. The key is not to beat yourself up. As long as you live, you will continue to make mistakes.
Patricia
