When have you had to adapt to change?

How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example
Community Answers

Being able to adapt to change in the workplace is a crucial skill to possess. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you have had to adjust to changes on the job. Share how you handled the change and how you turned it into a learning opportunity and positive experience.

"I feel that educators adapt to change daily! The vibe in the classroom is different every day. Students' moods and efforts vary as well. I am well accustomed to working in a changing environment. On one specific occasion, the power went out at the school I worked at previously, and I had to adapt my plans so that learning could still occur without the help of the computer and projector. Instead, we took our math lesson outside and used chalk on the blacktop to make it interactive and fun."

"After being a dedicated mathematics teacher for the past ten years, I was asked to take on a new focus this coming year. I am currently prepping myself to teach chemistry as well. It's been a challenge, but I am excited about the change."

Anonymous Answer

"In both of my careers, I needed to adapt to change every day. When I was a television producer, our scripts, budgets, actors, and circumstances beyond our control changed often. In the classroom, my students' works were affected by how they felt that day which affected their comprehension and efforts. Therefore, I was used to making changes at the last minute. One example of a changing situation occurred when the computer system in the school went down during a social studies exam. My students had studied hard for the exam and were frustrated that they could not finish their tests and receive their grades. I took out six blank monopoly boards and had my students make cards with all of the answers. Then they played a game in groups selecting a card with the answer and had to come up with the question. The group's secretary recorded their group members' answers as I watched them play the game. I could tell who knew the material and graded my students accordingly. They said that they enjoyed playing the game so much that they forgot they were taking a test."

Marcie's Feedback

This is an excellent answer. The example you provide emphasizes your creativity, initiative, and desire to make learning fun for your students. It also shows that you are adaptable and a quick thinker who can come up with solutions on the fly. Great job!