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Go Ahead, Make a Mistake
posted by: Cindy Omlin | January 19, 2011, 05:31 PM   

I really enjoy seeing the thoughts of students regarding teachers, especially when they make suggestions as to what they believe will improve teachers in the classroom. When I came across this student-written article, I couldn't resist! Students Julianne Capati and Spencer Taylor made a list of mistakes which they believe teachers and students should make.

Considering that I am still on my New Year's resolutions kick, I decided that making a resolution to make a mistake would provide a nifty twist on my 2011 professional goals. Who doesn't believe that we oftentimes learn best from our mistakes?

Five mistakes that teachers should make
  1. Let students fail
  2. Make bad lesson plans / make mistakes on content
  3. Waste time
  4. Ignore your reputation
  5. Set standards too high

Five mistakes students should make

  1. Pick the wrong major
  2. Get too involved
  3. Assume your teachers don't know everything
  4. Take a day off
  5. Talk too much
I find that I can't help but add my own two cents.

Teachers, I believe that one of the best mistakes I ever made was to lose my cool. It gave me the opportunity to look my students in the eyes and to apologize to them sincerely. I had students thank me later for helping them see that I am human and I, too, need to say "I'm sorry" sometimes.

Students, one of the best mistakes that I ever made as a student was to sign-up for the most difficult English class/teacher possible. He certainly whipped me into academic shape. I hated myself for taking his class. And, of course, I still refer back to the lessons he taught me. It's one of the best academic mistakes of my life.

So, go ahead, and dare yourself to make a mistake. Happy New Year! (Again.)
Originally posted by Jill at AAE.

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