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Inconsistent instructors no better than disobedient students

One of the challenges some instructors face when it comes to imposing general school rules and regulations is inconsistency among themselves. Though they don't mean to critique their fellow educators, they somehow feel concerned because students tend to rebel against them because "they are not like their other instructors." How would you deal with this without creating a conflict with your fellow instructor?

instructor mistakes

I think this is a very important subject because as human we make mistakes and we can learn how to be better each day.

managing students behavior

This is a very interesting topic and I was learning a lot of how to manage the diference students behavior and the strategies.

challenging students

I like this part of the course because we always have diferent groups of students and we are learning how important is to manage them and how we can help them.

Class Managment.

It's amazing how you can learn to manage the class in order to help the students and motivate them with the course.

Instructor Experince

How do I properly introduce myself to my class giving them my credentials without sounding pompous?

Cheating students

How do you approach a student suspected of cheating?

What to do about attention seeking students

how do I manage without confrontation attention seeking students?

How to evaluate student's abilities

How does one assess student's ability from the beginning of class?

The Friend

First mistake I see, especially from new and young instructors is trying to befriend their students. Respect has to come first, friendship later. Many of my students are roughly the same age as I am. I will use that to help relate to them, but being too friendly is very dangerous.

Aggressive students

I have found that posture can be a key indicator and key response when dealing with an aggressive student. A non-aggressive or passive stance can deflate a situation rather than meeting aggression with aggression.

Controlling Center of Attention students

Create notecards, one for each student with their name. Draw from that pile to determine who you call on to answer questions. Establishing that methodology cuts off some of the center of attention guys at the pass, since they can't just blurt stuff out.

New Instructor Help

I have found that helpful advice from experienced instructors is always helpful when starting out. It is important to find that mentor that has not only good teaching skills but a good rapport with students. You can truly learn a lot from that person. They also become a good resource when dealing with problem students.

Students grading their own work

I have tried this method with very good results. I will print out the key and as a student finishes the test, I quickly check it over to make sure all answers are filled in, hand them a red pen, and let them grade their own test. They love the instant feedback and I have never had a problem with dishonesty. It also shows them that I trust them which teaches them integrity and ethics.

Instructor Errors

Nobody is perfect... even instructors can make a mistake. If students ask a question of which we do not know the answer, we should not become defensive and give false answers. Let them know that at that moment we are not familiar with the answer but will get back to them... And please do.

Dealing with students with disruptive behaviors

The first offense is served with a warning. Often times, students are just excited to be in the class. If behavior is persistent, immediately escort the student out of the classroom and talk to them in private. Let them know of the consequences of continued behavior. Documentation is very important.

Emphasis on the course requirements

On the first day of class, expectations of the course should be very well defined to the students. Emphasis should be placed on the course requirements for course completion.

Reducing classroom cheating

In our institution, during the day of the final exams, teachers are required to read to the students a " cheat script". Letting them know of the rules and regulations and the consequences if ever they are caught cheating..

New Instructors on Cloud-9

How many people have been entertained (well, not really) by watching a new or newer faculty member go into the classroom and teach for the first time or term? It is almost a bit like a rite-of-passage for new instructors, I have found. Oftentimes, and especially at career colleges where Doctorate Degrees are not always necessary, instructors feel that they are in a "power position" and that they have reached the top and are now "professors." Soon, the reality kicks in and they become human again and make a mistake in the classroom. Either they goof-up a quiz or exam, say something inappropriate, act too arrogant, or realize that they cannot really "teach" to their student's needs or satisfaction. It is like a new manager in a manager's position for the first time; rather, they are managers of a class and feel like they are on Cloud-9. Until.....

Setting the Example

I know, this is not the right thing to do in regards to challenging student behaviors; But this is often what is said when "setting an example" is done totally wrong or inappropriately. If you are really really good (and experienced), it can be done both artfully and appropriately and oftentimes, similar difficult behaviors will not be experienced again. However, it is a risk 99% of people should probably not take if they want to avoid doing it wrong. For example, a student wise cracks at something you say. Clearly, this shows disrespect towards you and it undermines you in front of the class. It might be a test- especially for new instructors. What would you do?