What are some of the ways to avoid instructor mistakes? First of all you must be confidence in yourself. To be confidence one must be knowledgeable about the course they are teaching. Do not become friends with your students but show them respect and let them know you are their advocate. I agree whole-heartly they you must learn their names. That is one of my worst problem. I am getting better. When I take attendance, I make sure I look at their face when I call their name.
Hi Anajali,
We all get in trouble whenever things are assumed. The best practice is to explain everything fully.
Patricia
By writing down the expectations in the syllabus, an instructor can avoid making the mistake of leaving things for assumption in regards to uniform policy, objectives, grades, and course expectations.
Even as an experienced educator, periodically review best practices so procedures are fresh in my mind.
That is what I use when instituting change in any environment. I use the acronym WIFM... It doesn't matter if it's students, or co-workers they all want to know what's in it for me.
I love your plan! It's the same one that I use.
Hi Brandi,
I understand that sometimes your strength can be your biggest weakness. As an instructor, respect from your students is important. Obviously, you are doing something right, your students have a great sense of respect for you.
Patricia
I think my biggest mistake is sometimes the main reason why students respect me. I talk too much! I always say the things that everyone wants to say but do not. I feel that the content, delivery and lesson planning are key in a classroom, however the personality of the instructor must also shine through! It's my blessing and my curse.
Hi Mary,
What would you add to the list? What do you do to avoid making common instructor mistakes?
Pa
Hi Bonni,
I like it! I believe in never letting your students see you sweat! You must appear to be confident at all times.
Patricia
Adequate preparation before coming to class. Have an agenda, communicate it to the students. Project a positive, confident attitude, even if the butterflies are flying inside.
Hi Anthony,
Preparation is key! It is also nice to follow a course outline because it keeps you on target, and it helps you remember exactly what needs to be covered. I have a daily lesson plan that is a big contributing factor of keeping me on task.
Patricia
Being prepared for class and follow a course outline that I have kept records of past mistakes hepls me.
Hi Ty,
Your safest approach is to assume they do not know anything. Students can get lost in the shuffle because we as educators do assume they know certain things.
Patricia
I think the biggest mistake I have made is assuming students know more that they do. What I mean is that I will use humor as a tool to set the students at ease; that can be a double-sided sword. There are students that are already nervous about the class and the humor can exasperate their well being!
Hi Julie,
Nicely said! Some of life's best lessons are learned from making mistakes. It seems like when you learn from a mistake, the lessons really sticks with you.
Patricia
Hi Carla and class,
Realize that plans change is important. We can develop the greatest plan and follow it...but if a mistake was made or if something needs revision, then the instructor should make these changes when first realized. We learn from our students and in many instances, we believe we developed this great lesson plan and as we begin to teach the materials we find that research is outdated and one of our student's brings this to their attention. We show our appreciation, apologize and make the change. In some instances, the college has made some changes in the curriculum and we did not make the change in our syllabus -- we learn our greatest lessons through our own mistakes - and thus we can reduce these "common" mistakes by learning valuable lessons.
Hi Maribeth,
As instructors we must have a game plan daily. The plan brings about structure. Students need structure, otherwise things would be very chaotic. The plan certainly does help with time management as well as with classroom control.
Patricia
Hi Patricia and all,
Be consistent and fair. This is a rule that all instructors must abide by. Do not take any short cuts, do not bend any policies, follow the syllabus and the school's policies.
When an instructor shows preferential treatment or is not consisitent and fair....the trust factor is lost.
