Thread: Need advice from other teachers!

Posted in teachers' group: http://www.bhuz.com/index.php?cmd=/p...posts/id_2867/

The worst feeling is that, from now on, you must walk on eggshells.

I don't believe we should censor ourselves as instructors. The other good outcome of this, is that you are aware. You had no intention of calling out this person in a negative fashion. Perhaps they now see it the way you perceived it, that it was a compliment.

I had as similar thing happen where a student was unhappy. But how am I supposed to know if someone does not speak up? They gave no intention of being frustrated. When I taught, I kept my eyes and ears open and gave plenty of leeway to ask questions and speak up. That is partly the responsibility of an adult student to know when they are having issues.

It was adult and responsible of the group to say something after the class. And hopefully they understood your perspective. But I think trying to come up with a list of should and should nots in class is too restrictive and will hamper your personal teaching style.

Perhaps at the beginning of the next class you can offer a general apology and note of appreciation for students raising their concerns. and offer/reinforce an environment of learning and open discussion/communication. This would help to reinforce the idea that yes, you have humility and your delivery was not intentionally meant to ostracize and that you are open to discussion and open communication, that students should not be afraid to speak up.