Having a plan and sticking to it, is essential to your success. It is impossible to effectively teach without a plan. Students thrive in a classroom that has daily plans and goals. It re-enforces the importance of time management. Having notes in the margin from previously taught materials, is a great way to help yourself improve your own instruction time and technique.
Hi Catherine,
People in general do not like it when plans have to be changed. If there are benefits to the plans being changed, certainly address how they would benefit from the changes. Students want to know what's in it for them.
Patricia
Prepare for the class, plan ahead, use different instructional styles, know your students name and mange your class room.
Students don't like when the plan needs to change - how do you get buy in for a change of plan?
To avoid commonly made instructor mistakes, I rehearse the class at home since I don't have an assigned classroom. I run thru the presentation, and work out the demonstrations, all the while mentally playing "What If"? What can go wrong? What will Murphey do? How can I counter it? Backup projector, presentations on CD for a backup computer, alternate means of demonstration, additional enrichment material to present and demo if the class interaction is flat. I always have more material to present than I need, in case the class goes more quickly than I expect.
Be prepared in advance by doing the following before class each day.
*Create an outline for the day.
*Create lecture notes for the day.
*Create a list of questions.
*Create a way to measure the days objectives.
Hi Alexis,
You've mentioned some important points. Preparation is a must in the education profession. At times, as instructors, we must study just like our students in order to be prepared. It is definitely a plus whenever you have activities for all three types of learners; no one is left out.
Patricia
To avoid mistakes I am prepared for class daily, study and change it up, have some activities directed to all the kinds of students in the room, and have fun. I also realize the plan can and may change.
Hi James,
I like it! I get a mental things to do list in my head daily. It is one of my most effective methods to help keep me on point.
Patricia
I like to run through my day in my head. I put the agenda on the board for the students to set an expectation of what is to be completed for the day, and then estimate how long activities and/or assignments may take including possible side discussions from lecture. Visualizing my path and method helps me to not appear disorganized or scattered because i have already done this once today. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isnt here yet so I try to focus on the here and now and how I can use the knowledge and expertise that I have today to try and present the learners with the information in a way that makes sense to them.
Hi Paul,
Preparation is certainly key. Mistakes are bound to happen even with preparation, but they are really much more minimized with proper preparation.
Patricia
Hi Earle,
You're right! We have to be ready for any and everything. Educators must know how to improvise as well as be flexible and adaptable.
Patricia
Be prepared - both for good and bad - and adjust accordingly. Don't let it throw you off.
The best way to avoid mistakes is in proper preparation. Reviewing what material is to be covered brings the days agenda forward and allows you to be organized for the day.
Hi David,
Give examples of notes you have taken and how they helped you.
Patricia
Take personal notes so you can review ech new class ,to avoid previous mistakes.When you write notes it also makes you reflect a little deeper to avoid ego.
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." Albert Einstein
Hi Adel,
I often think where would folks be today if they never made mistakes? Mistakes are not always a bad thing; some mistakes are great life lessons.
Patricia
I agree, amking mistakes makes me more motivated to improve and provides opportunities for growth.
Hi Gregory,
I typically try to minimize common instructor mistakes by thoroughly preparing. Preparation is key!
Patricia
