Can you share an example of a lesson you taught that didn't go as planned? How did you handle the situation?
Behavioral
Adaptability
Problem-solving
Communication
This question assesses your adaptability and problem-solving skills as a teacher. Lessons often don’t go as expected, and how you respond shows your ability to think on your feet and adjust your teaching methods.
How to answer
- Use the STAR method to structure your response (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Briefly describe the lesson plan and what went wrong
- Explain how you assessed the situation in real-time
- Share the adjustments you made and how you communicated them to the students
- Conclude with the lesson learned and how it influenced your future teaching
What not to say
- Blaming the students or external factors for the failure
- Failing to acknowledge the lesson's shortcomings
- Not discussing the steps taken to rectify the situation
- Providing a vague response without specific details
Sample answer
“In my 8th-grade science class, I planned an interactive experiment that required specific materials. Unfortunately, due to a delivery issue, the materials didn’t arrive. Instead of canceling the lesson, I quickly pivoted to a demonstration using digital simulations. I explained the concepts while engaging the students in predicting outcomes. This adjustment not only maintained their interest but also led to a deeper understanding. I learned the importance of flexibility and having a backup plan, which I now incorporate into all my lesson plans.”