Most Common Teaching Mistakes
Dear Tutors
Do you occasionally think of and question some of your behaviours and actions in your classroom and wonder how you could have handled a situation better? But, the truth is that we all make mistakes. Even the best teachers make mistakes now and then. The surprising fact is that it is generally the same mistake that we cannot stop making.
One of the major mistakes that we may not think of as a big thing and cannot stop making is not asking for help. Teachers, in general, are a bit of a proud bunch, maybe we don’t like to ask for help because we don’t want to appear to look like we don’t know what we are doing. Don’t neglect the fact that there is a wonderful wealth of experience in all schools and some excellent teachers are willing to help us if we ask for.
Another mistake many teachers make is not creating an action plan. We should create action plans that clearly describe expectations and delineate steps a student can take to be successful. We can show them exactly what assignments they need to complete and what grades they have to earn to pass. Instead of giving a common plan that fits all, take care to change the plan from one student to another as per their requirement.
Many teachers show reluctance in building relationships with their students. This is one of the most effective ways for us to avoid classroom management issues. When students have a relationship with their teacher, they are less likely to misbehave or be behind in their studies. So get to know your students, talk with them and meet with them one-on-one. Such a relationship can take you a long way toward creating a classroom that is truly a community.
Some teachers make promises, but do not fulfil them. If you give them some expectations and don’t fulfil them, they will never respect you and take your words seriously. You are the true guide to your students and each action of you reflects via your students. So, it is necessary for a teacher to be dedicated.
Generally, teachers may not easily accept their mistakes thinking they could turn out to be inferior among students, but this is a misconception. Teachers should also be able to accept mistakes. It is necessary to make students understand that teachers also commit mistakes and they will be working on them next time.
These are some tricky things. They might not appear as mistakes for some, but in the long term, they do affect students’ performance. Teachers should be mindful of each and every action as well as the words they present in the classroom. Being careful with each and every simple thing will make your classroom a better one.