As a new instructor, this was very helpful in realizing what can be expected and some tips for new instructors. I agree that planning can help prevent issues in the classroom. It was good to learn that what-ifs are not likely to occur. I still plan on using lesson plans to help me feel more comfortable when instructing a class.
Make notes about how a lecture, lab, clinical, or experience worked/didn't work for me and the students to prepare for the next time.
Be prepared, listen to students
I enjoyed the solutions for the common new instructor fears. I always try to present as I know what I am lecturing over or what I am teaching, even if I feel like I am not prepared. I never want the students to feel that, so it was reassuring to hear I am doing that correctly. I wrote notes about my lessons last year and it has really helped me not make the same mistakes as I continue my second year teaching.
Comment on Brandon Jarrett's post: Absolutely........students. feel much more at ease when they know a teacher acknowledges they too are not perfect.!!
Comment on Robyn Roth's post:
Preparing for class is key. Not waiting until the last minute and being over-prepared is helpful here.
Comment on Shelley Freshman's post:
I too struggle with remembering the student's names. I like your idea of the folders and will try that next term. I have given the students poster paper and had them make name plates and decorate them. This has helped me in learning their names and the students have enjoyed decorating their name plates.
Not asking for help from other instructors is a common mistake. They all have been where a new instructors are and can at least advise on approach and technique.
Asking for help! I need to do this more.
I've learned that making mistake is an opportunity to grow. No one is exempted from making mistakes and by making mistake, it can be an opportunity for learning because we learn from our mistake. Just like a tennis player, when he made a mistake on how he hits the ball with his racket, he will make adjustments in order to not make the same mistake again.
As a new instructor we can worry about things that may never happen.
I have learned many situations to avoid being an instructor. I will take them into account as a reminder not to practice them.
Take the time to prepare, keep it professional and educational
So I’ve always been honest and transparent person and I expect my students to be the same. The course talks about making humor or light of mistakes. I definitely believe there’s a time and a place for that, but for the most part, I strive to be honest with my students when I have made a mistake because I want them to do the same for me to ensure were maximizing our time togeter.
Make notes about how the lecture, demonstration, or activity worked. Note taking will help you focus more on improving instruction rather than solving problems.
For some reason remembering a persons first name takes some time, but when calling people by their last name seems to be easier to remember. Having played football, it was easier to read peoples last name on their Jerseys and since we spent so much time together it would seem more normal to continue calling people by their last name over their first name when first meeting as strangers.
Management of classroom is to be prepared, organized and dedicated & sharing ones expertise & knowledge of the field.
I appreciate the "we make mistakes too" mindset. I tell my students daily that we are human and don't know every answer.
