Pitfalls

In this session, Jonathan Erb identifies four common challenges for novice teachers:

• Faulty self-concept (e.g., over-apologizing, perfectionism)
• Ignorance of technique (e.g., poor lesson sequencing, vague questions)
• Poor planning (e.g., neglecting details, focusing on peripherals)
• Ineffective discipline (e.g., delaying action, over-lecturing).

He stresses awareness, preparation, and balanced discipline to avoid these issues, noting first-year teachers' advantages such as eagerness to learn and freshness.

“Pitfalls” was presented by Jonathan Erb at Western Fellowship Teachers’ Institute in August of 2018 at Lighthouse Mennonite School in Halsey, Oregon.