This module has helped me take a better look at how my students may view me. It also reminded me that it's ok to learn from my mistakes and move forward to be a better teacher. In the same way, I need to create an environment in which students know it's ok to take risks and make mistakes.
I remember my first year in college I took a Chemistry class. The professor started by asking us to look around. By the withdrawal date half of the class would not be there. Those that finish the class, half would fail. He was correct, but what a way to start a class. I would never start that way.
It cant be stressed enough, overpreparing. That first 50 minute lecture you have planned will go by in 15 minutes.
Being prepared for your class is very important- not only for you as an instructor but also the students.
Be humble and laugh it off. Then, learn from it.
Be willing to make mistakes.
There is no such thing as a perfect instructor. A strategy for avoiding repeating some of the above mistakes is to make notes about how a lecture, demonstration, or activity worked for you. With the pressure of preparing for the next class and student demands it is easy to forget how the class went. Make a few notes in the margin of your lesson-planning notebook.
Take notes of your lectures, avoid repeating same mistakes.
Mistakes happen, we learn from our mistakes. We need to remember the mistakes that already happen. Try our best never to repeat again.
I learned to make notes about a lecture after it occurs that way I can ascertain what worked and what needs improvement.
I need to slow down, and make sure I'm over prepared beforehand to help reduce anxiety and help me to stick to my plan and have back up plans for when things don't work the way I thought they would.
Preparing for the class and staying organized are crucial for success. Slowing down the pace of lectures and giving time for students to take notes.
I learned that being organized and overprepared for class will help us as educators not only gain confidence but will also help us grow as knowledge experts. Stop thinking negatively and focus on the content. Creating guided notes will also help your students be organized themselves and cover all the important areas they need to learn.
Do not enter into the field worried about the "what if's"
My biggest worry is appearing competent. Teaching is still new to me and I'm worried about looking like I don't know what I'm doing. I really like the idea of making notes in my planner so I can remember how things went in a certain class. I will definitely be giving this a try!
I have to take the time to remember student names.
We are all human, every mistake by the instructor is a learning point for everyone, mistakes are human, admit it and move on.
I had a student cry because I was covering a class on short notice that I had not taught before; and was not prepared, it was a struggle for me to deliver the proper information in a clear and concise manner. I made the mistake (which I knew) by stating I am also still learning and this is new to me as well. I know it had the potential to devalue my intruction but I wasn't sure what else to say at the time other than encouraging and letting them know I am here to support them and will always appreciate open feedback. I will always do my best to learn from my mistakes.
I admit, I have a problem remember student's name. I have 40-60 students per 3 week and up to 200 hundred students a term.
Learning from our mistakes as instructors is improving our teaching practice. It is important to acknowledge that what works with on class of students, may not be the right fit for another class, even with the content is the same.
Worrying about not making mistakes and helping every student do well in your classes.
