Hi Patricia,
My biggest mistake as a new instructor was I was too easy at the beginning of the course and then I could not rein them in after I had lost control. I found (quickly) that it is easier to be strict at the beginning of a course and loosen up as time goes on than the other way around. Be clear on the expectations, interpret the rules evenly for all, and follow through with what ever cause and effect was given when giving the expectations.
Steve
