A thorough explanation of your expections = less irrelevant questions
Being an expertise of subject instructor who works with students being predominantly young males I get the alpha personas that question authority. That's fine unless it's to take control of my class. At the beginning of a course establishing who you are and what you expect sets the foreground of what's appropriate classroom discussions.
Charles,
Thank you for sharing these strategies with us. I know they will be of great help to other instructors, especially those that are just starting their teaching careers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Along with that, recognize when a student is attempting to set you up with a power struggle. Never let a struggle ensue; keep your cool and use "I" statements: "I am busy teaching right now. We are on page 57... I'm looking for a student who can tell me __________?"
Ryan,
Key point about needing to take control of the class. You are the learning leader and there cannot be any misunderstanding about this. You will be tested as you say but in spite of the testing you establish yourself as being in control and then the class can proceed from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
