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Biggest mistakes you’re probably making in your class and how to fix it!
By Tanika T. Garrett
Hello there fellow educators!
Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding yet challenging professions out there. Every day, we walk into our classrooms with the intention of making a positive impact on our students’ lives. However, despite our best efforts, we all make mistakes from time to time. And that’s okay! The key is to recognize these mistakes and learn from them to become better educators.
Let’s dive into the different mistakes you’re probably making…
Feeling the Need to be in Control
Have you ever found yourself frustrated with your students’ behavior or performance? Was there ever a time where you just wanted to jump in the driver seat and just do all the activities and take over the entire discussion? I know. Been there. It happens to the best of us. As a teacher, we often encounter that feeling of wanting control. We often feel that it’s something that we should have because hey, we’re the teachers, not them.
But sometimes, that drive to control stems from unhealed wounds that we all carry. The idea of being in control of everything allows us to feel secured that we will be able to see everything that might go wrong and in turn we can prevent it. But that is not out job. Our job is to teach, to guide, and to show our students how the world works, and let them experience life in their own accords.
The moment we let got of the reigns, the lighter we will feel.
How to Fix: While structure and routines are important, embracing a little chaos can lead to empowered students. Foster a classroom environment where students have the freedom to take responsibility for their learning. Provide clear expectations and accountability measures, but allow flexibility for student-directed activities and exploration.
Taking Yourself a Bit Too Seriously
It’s very difficult to be an effective teacher. We often sacrifice a lot — time, energy, money, you name it! We’ve poured a lot into our work that we do actually want to be taken seriously. There’s nothing wrong with that from the get-go, as respect is something that we want to have at the end of the day. But sometimes, we might just go over the edge a little bit.
We find ourselves trying to look and feel stoic to our students just to make sure that respect is given. However, when we take out the human in our ways, we forget that our students just want to learn in a fun and digestible way, and funnily enough, a little humor never hurt anybody.
How to Fix: Lighten up and find humor in the classroom! Laughing off mild distractions can be a quick way to redirect student behavior and build rapport. Embrace moments of levity and bonding with your students. Remember, a smile and a shared joke can go a long way in creating a positive learning atmosphere.
Worrying Too Much About Being Liked
It’s a common human tendency to seek acceptance and approval from others. However, when this desire to be liked becomes too prominent, it can hinder our ability to address difficult issues or provide necessary guidance. In such situations, we may find ourselves compromising our principles and authority, which can result in a loss of respect from our students.
While I don’t view my students as my “friends” in the traditional sense, I do cultivate strong, respectful relationships with many of them. My focus lies in earning their respect through mutual regard and fairness, rather than solely seeking their immediate approval. Interestingly, when we prioritize respect over likability, students often develop a deeper appreciation for us, recognizing our genuine care and support for their growth and success.
How to Fix: Focus on earning respect rather than popularity. Have the courage to have difficult conversations and provide appropriate redirection when needed. Prioritize building strong, respectful relationships with your students based on mutual trust and understanding.
You’re giving inconsistent feedback
Feedback is a powerful tool for student growth and improvement. However, providing feedback after assignments or assessments are graded is often too late. Offering timely and constructive feedback allows students to understand their strengths and areas for improvement while there’s still time to make adjustments. We of course would want to the student to be able to adjust themselves before handing in the final verdict.
How to Fix: Establish a consistent feedback loop to support student growth and learning. Provide timely and specific feedback on assignments, assessments, and classroom behavior. Offer praise for achievements and constructive criticism for areas of improvement. Encourage self-reflection and goal-setting to empower students in their educational journey.
You ignore Self-Care
Teaching can be emotionally and physically draining, especially when we neglect our own well-being. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of lesson planning, grading, and meetings, but it’s essential to prioritize self-care. Taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support from colleagues or mentors are all crucial for maintaining our passion and energy as educators.
How to Fix: Prioritize your well-being to avoid burnout and maintain your passion for teaching. Set boundaries between work and personal life, and make time for self-care activities that rejuvenate you. Seek support from colleagues, mentors, or professional development opportunities to enhance your teaching practice. Remember, taking care of yourself allows you to better support your students.
Why mistakes happen…
As teachers, we dislike making mistakes to the core. I believe that after years and years of constantly being put to a high standard, we have also begun to hate making mistakes as most of us see no value in making them. Now it’s important to understand that mistakes are normal. We’re all human beings capable of making errors, and honestly, there is beauty in that. The fact that we are capable of messing up and changing ourselves in the process is so beautiful because it allows us to reinvent, rediscover, and love ourselves once more.
It is in the mistakes we make that we continue a legacy as magnificent as teaching. Because if we are not capable of making mistakes, then we will forever we bound to a mold that we may no longer fit in when the time comes.
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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