Hi Lynn,
Flexibility is important! There are no two days the same in education. A lot of my learning in teaching came from trial and error...don't be afraid to make a mistake, just do it.
Patricia
Hi Janine,
Preparation is key! Preparation leads to great success.
Patricia
Hi Roy,
Absolutely! We owe it to our students to give them everything we have in the classroom, and this comes with great preparation.
Patricia
Hi Lyn,
I love to have my new instructors team teach with a seasoned instructor if at all possible. This tactic has proven to be extremely beneficial.
Patricia
Hi, speaking with colleagues is a great idea. Many schools have faculty mentor programs for new instructors, and this is very helpful. Lyn
This course has helped identify commonly made instructor mistakes. Make a feverent effort to avoid them. Prepare, plan, and practice before going to class. Know and understand your personal weaknesses and formulate a plan to take those out of the equation. KNOW what you are there to do and see the benefit the students will receive if you JUST DO IT!
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Learn from the mistakes of others. Asking your colleagues what works and does not work. Being able to be flexible and also having a backup plan. Some times things happen that are beyond your control and you have to adapt quickly.
There was the key- PLAN -Plan- Plan
Some call it experience- and things can happen and go wrong, but we learn from failures as much as we do from successes.
There is nothing wrong with overplanning until you get the system down- then its show time.
Hi everyone, I totally agree with others that having a plan is very important. I also like to make sure that I have on hand everything I need. This means allowing prep time.
When I am dealing with new lecture material, I might also do a quick read and talk through...and double check any facts I may be a bit unsure of.
But there have been days in class when I just was not at the top of my game, for whatever reason. At those times, I just admit it, and say.. one second, let me refocus a moment and then re-explain it so that it is more clear. Or, maybe take a short break to clear my head and theirs!
Students need to know that the Instructor can admit that he or she is human, and just like them, will give it another shot! Lyn
Having a clear lesson plan for the first day has consistently been the best approach for me in avoiding common instructor mistakes. Interestingly, I have been teaching for many years, mostly at the professional and graduate school level prior to my failed attempt at retirement, and the first day of class in many ways still feels like I am just beginning to teach - I love the rush.
Hi Harold,
Changes are bound to happen, but try to stick to your plans as much as possible. Students need structure and great guidance.
Patricia
You have a of how you are going to do things stick to it and know youymay have to make changes but try and stick to the plan.
Be as prepaird as you can,know that you like students are prone to mistakes and when you make them be honest do not lie.
Hi Patricia,
I totally agree! I can tell you lead by example. Your students are fortunate to have a true professional as their instructor.
Patricia
When I first saw the topic of instructor mistakes, as a math instructor, I thought of errors in the problems. That wasn't where the topic was going, but in math handling those errors cause angst for new instructors. Correcting the errors in front of the class shows the students how to handle errors in their own calculations. Identify the error, correct the error and move on.
I always like to be to class early to set up, go over the day's goals, and to have a few minutes to myself before the students arrive. I also think that it reflects on your professionalism when students see that you are on time and prepared for class. It sets a positive example for them.
Take inventory of the previous classes and take note. Use what works and change those things that doesn't,
Accept responsibility for being part of a noble profession by exhibiting integrity,establishing professionalism on a daily basis, listen and place students first, stay focused and be well prepared. Most of all,maintain a sense of humor and enjoy the honor of sharing knowledge and preparing students for the real world - especially now as we move into the knowledge economy.
