Realize the importance of attaining & maintaining
student respect by having a professional and
positive approach to their educational experience.
Definitely try to have a more "seasoned" teacher
act as your mentor to help guide you.
Hi James,
Preparation is key. Sticking to the lesson plan eliminates getting off topic as well.
Patricia
Have a daily lesson plan and give time limits to each one of your dicussions. It helps not to ramble on.
I think the biggest thing in avoiding common instructor mistakes is by being prepared everyday for the lesson. You can only give your students what you have put into each lesson. They deserve the best possible instruction you can give them and the better prpared you are the more they are going to get out of it.
Hi Claire,
It is amazing what arriving 5 minutes early will do. Just by you being their early is a very calming mechanisim.
Patricia
I'm going to start planning to get to class a few minutes early. This will give me an opportunity to chat informally with students about any questions or issues they may have, and may also help me be more relaxed and ready as the class starts.
My biggest mistake is that I want too much for students to like me, and so I make concessions for late work or missed assignments when I shouldn't. The way I can avoid this is to be aware of my tendency to do it, and to work at improving. I've also found it helpful to talk with other instructors about how they deal with excuses and daily drama in the lives of their students.
Hi Lise,
Confidence is a must! It sounds like you do a great job preparing! Preparation is key. You definitely have a plus, you realize the importance of sharing your practical experience.
Patricia
Hi Thomas,
Preparation is a must! It certainly eases a lot of pressure by getting to class early and having equipment and materials ready to go.
Patricia
I agree all the tips are useful and I find getting to class a few minutes early to setup is a great help in reducing your stress.
Prepare for the class. Even if it has been a while since you taught this new material, read it over, make a lesson plan, highlight what you want the students to know so that you don't miss important key concepts. Share experiences with the students to show your expertise. I have to teach some material that I am not knowledgable in, so I read the material and gain insight in what it is that I have to teach and be confident that I understand the material to be able to teach my students.
Hi David,
What do you do to avoid common instructor mistakes?
Patricia
I like the list. I will definitely use it.
Realize that plans change!
Hi Heidi,
Being organized helps a great deal as well.
Patricia
Hi Mitchell,
You are certainly right on target. Planning is essential.
Patricia
Have your plan, work your plan, remain flexible to revising your plan, but remain consistent.
1. Know your material
2. Be prepared for class
3. Be confident in yourself
Hi Victor,
Mistakes should be used as a lesson learned. Mistakes will happen, learn from them and move on.
Patricia
My thoughts as well,I give the advise to students not to dwell on the grade but on what that mastake has tought them .
