Firm But Fair
I pride myself on being firm but fair. That is how a live my life. I have young children and manage people as well as a classroom. When you are constantly trying to accommodate people it creates more problems than you ever dreamed of.
Establish an understanding early on and remain true to your commitment to the student and they will respect you more for it.
Hi Letisha:
Additionally, letting them know as soon as possible what the expectations are in writing (like the first day of class) is considered to be the best practice.
Regards, Barry
Hi Linnie:
Exactly! And like you pointed out, it should be written out, so there is always a resource available for both the student and instructor to refer back to in case there are ever misunderstandings about the expectations.
Regards, Barry
I strongly agree that you must put what is expected of the students "IN WRITING". I find that holding them responsible is an important factor in their educational development.
I feel all rules must be made clear at the beginning of a course and in writing given to each student. Instructors must always be firm and consistant.
Hi Roger:
Guidelines and expectations may be part of the nature of the gen-Xers, but I believe most people (stuydents) want to know whats expected of them and in general, will at least try to meet the standards given.
This is where, when we see a student falling short, we need to get them back on track (and remindd of the expectations).
Regards, Barry
The gen-Xers seem to need a list of very specific rules and expectations. They do not function well without these guidelines.
It is best to set the rules in the initial class and stick to them. There will be griping and complaining but the younger students want definitive rules. They appreciate knowing what they are allowed to do and what they have to do to pass the course.
V/r
Roger
Hi Susan:
Great way to convey a good learning environment.
Regards, Barry
Hi Susan:
Good way to approach your class. It starts from the beginning with expectations and carries on throughout the course. As in life, there are rules that we all have to follow. So should it be in the classroom.
Regards, Barry
I agree. I think its important to make the student understand clearly the expectations and hold to them and that way they will be partners in thier learning and the responsibility fall on them when they do not comply.
I too pride myself on being fair but firm. I try to incoporate that in my life as well. I think in the clasroom it is especailly important to be "firm but fair". It add stability to the class setting because students know what to expect. It sets the tone for how problems will be handled and this create a better learning environment. Thre has to be a set standard for following rules in the classroom so that things will not be chaotic
Hi Mark:
This is a great principle, it's just difficult and challenging at times to stay firm and true to your convictions. But when expectations are clearly stated at the beginning, the burden, or perhaps we could say, ownership for the performance falls directly on the student.
Now, that doesn't mean we can't be supportive, offer encouragement, and provide assistance. That's part of our job too. I think better teachers exemplify this with traits such as patience, tolerance, accepting opposing viewpoints, and valuing the student as an individual. These are things all teachers can demonstrate in their classes and maybe even become a role model for students to emulate.
Respect will come when the student feels their teacher truly cares about their success. And I belive all students can be treated fairly, with courtesy and civility. Firm but fair. It's a mixed bag inclusive of some of these sentiments.
Regards, Barry
