mistakes
use humor to correct mistakes and eplain to them how the mistake will be corrected
I will always explain and show them how the mistake will be corrected. Sometimes, I have my students point out that I've made a mistake and it's embarrassing. I would correct right away and try not to make the situation awkward.
I actually like it when students catch me in mistakes, I don't take it as embarrassing but that the students are paying attention and have a grasp on the material, I then intern thank them for paying attention.
Hi Woody,
I concur. I like to use the phrase good catch! It does show that the students understand the material.
Patricia
Humor is good, I agree. I think as an instructor mistake can be a learning tool. We can turn that mistake into positive. When student caught us making mistake it shows that they are paying attention to a demo or lecture at the same time we can also show them how to correct and learn from it.
Hi Howard,
It is human nature to be embarrassed from making a mistake, but we must remember we are human too and everyone makes mistakes.
Patricia
Hi Cory,
Humor does really seem to smooth things over. It is good for our students to see that we too are far from being perfect.
Patricia
Hi Santos,
If we do not make an issue about the mistake, students typically don't. We own up to our mistakes and move forward.
Patricia
it is impossible to be right at all times and if you make an effort to correct your mistake most students will accept that.
Hi Jay,
Students are very accepting as long as mistakes are not habitual. Students understand that we are human too.
Patricia
I just made a mistake last night.Was dividing up time and missed 15 mins. I was surprised noone corrected me. I ussually can find a way to make a joke of it. I hope they were not afraid of me. I ussually just admit it, and fix it, and move on. If my mistakes cost them something (time, effort, wrong assignment), I try to make it up on something else.
Hi Monte,
I do the same thing. I own up to my mistake, correct it, and move forward. It is not a big issue, everyone makes mistakes.
Patricia
In a technical environment, I like mistakes on my and the students part. If all tasks/ repairs always go smoothly in a classrom environment there is not really full comprehsnsion to the consequences of poor work or how to fix that common little glitch that can happen.
Hi Robert,
I like your outlook on this! You really learn best from your mistakes.
Patricia
I do and say much of the same thing. I own up, correct it and move on. I have found that some students are waiting on an instructor to make a mistake and quikcly point it out. Sometimes, humor can disfuse the awkwardness of the embarrassment.
Hi Lillian,
You are right some students are waiting for us to make mistakes. I often think if they put this much energy and effort into their studies they would be awesome students.
Patricia
