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.
Learned how important an instructor image is
Reply to Marquita Scott's post: I agree that works well for both instructor and student!
Reply to Shelley Freshman's post: Thats a great idea!!!
As an instructor you have to be prepared to teach your class instead of worrying about things that may or may not happen.
Having the expectation that everyone will be like you.
It is okay to make mistakes as long as it is not consistently.
Take notes on mistakes and how you solved them so you can improve yourself the next time.
I am so bad learning new students names, I am always traying to be prepared and I find that if I take my time and don't get nervous I am a better teacher.
I use pnemonic devices to remember names. Tyler becomes "Tyler the Creator." Tony becomes "Tony Toni Tonê." I may use them in class as nicknames, depending on the mood of the room, or maybe just in my own mind as a way to remember them.
I teach at a school for creatives, so many of my students have memorable stage-names as well.
I have tended to under prepare, and go TOO fast, sometimes running out of material.
Good examples of how to be better prepared, and more effective.
making notes of any issues or mis-steps you may have experienced during a lab or lecture are great ways for you to avoid them for the following class. Having these in your lecture notes will help you remember to avoid those steps as you plan for your next class.
As a new instructure, I have doubts, but I am learnging to work on those doubt.
Instructors worry about scenarios that don't actually happen, which can impede how they interact with the class
