mistakes new instructors make
Revealing to the class by staements or behavior the fact that this is his/her very first teaching experience
Hi Craig,
Great response! Teach with professionalism and confidence. You will be just fine.
Patricia Scales
When I first started my students were already aware that I was a new instructor and they asked me about it during introductions. The answer that I gave that shifted their concerns of having a new instructor was about my experience in the field and that I had actually instructed most of my career in the work environment, but now I was just going to do it in a classroom environment.
Hi Joseph,
You are right! Students can tell if the instructor is prepared or not. Unpreparedness can ruin an instructor. It is unfair to the student when the instructor is not prepared. I love the analogy you gave.
Patricia Scales
I liken teaching to singing karaoke. People fail at teaching and karaoke mainly due to preparation. An teacher who is not prepared for the lesson is setting themselves up for failer, just as a karaoke singer who does not know the words to a song is bound to fail. It is quite obvious within the first few minutes of a class if the instructor is prepared or they are winging it.
Yes, it is indeed a big mistake to tell students that you are inexperienced. It is important to have a solid grip on your subject matter. Know your subject and teach it to the best of your ability. No one will notice the difference, only you.
Hi Raphael,
Yes big mistake. It is irrelevant that it is your first time teaching. Teach the students, they do not need to know that you are inexperienced. Knowing that you are inexperienced gives students ammunition. They will critique you to no end knowing that you are inexperienced.
Patricia Scales
