Classroom Behaivor
In my class setting I've noticed that a lot of my students have formed cliques. At times,I've noticed some inappropiate behaivor (rudeness, attitudes) This term I actually assigned partners in our lab. How do you handle this problem?
Peg,
I am like you in that I like to get to class early and check everything out and then greet the students as they come into class. These brief exchanges help me to read the mood of the students so I can make any adjustments I need to based upon how the class is acting. Also, being early means I do not have to rush in at the last minute. I have found that when I do I am off my game and that is not what I want to be for my students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to arrive early for some of the same reasons, arriving early gives time to assure that the classroom is set up correctly, AV equipment is in working order, etc. Being there when students arrive allows great interaction, and shows the students that you acknowledge their importance.
Peg
I like to arrive early for some of the same reasons, arriving early gives time to assure that the classroom is set up correctly, AV equipment is in working order, etc. Being there when students arrive allows great interaction, and shows the students that you acknowledge their importance.
Peg
Ana,
Like this technique a lot. Ends discussion because selection is based upon chance. Quick and easy to do and keeps the class moving forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Cliques within the classroom are definitely a problem. My solution, I have my famous "sticks". During the 1st week of class i have the students bring a popsickle stick with their name on it. Then I put them all in a container and carry them with me to lab and lecture. When its time to pick lab partners or even participate in lecture I simply choose the student at random. This way it seems fair to the student.
Tralanda,
Arriving early for class has several benefits. One, is you get to chat with the students as they arrive. During these chats I ask about their lives outside of the classroom, though I make sure it is general so I am not perceived as prying. We talk about sports, hobbies, pets, kids, etc.. This gives me a read on the mood of the class. Also, by being in the class prior to the start my presence helps the students to assume professional behavior. If an instructor walks into class at starting time the mood for the class can already be set due to some event happening in the school for which they are upset and are complaining about it. By being present this stops that from occurring or it can be addressed if it does start to flare up.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Okay. Sometime I have a hard time with this. Because I may not come to class early to evaluate the atmosphere in the classroom.
I make sure my class room and lab expectations are made clear on the 1st day of class and stay consistant with expectations. once you start slipping students start to think it's okay to wander away from mestablished expectations and it becomes harder to bring them back
Mai,
Not sure what you mean by this. Can you explain further?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kathy,
This type of sharing really helps the different generations to start to see how they can work together to the benefit of everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Donna,
One of the ways I do this is to put the new students and older students together into small groups of 3-4 students. I then assign them projects or case studies. By working together on a common problem or cause they start to respect each other and see how they can each contribute to the solution.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Catherine,
Can you expand a little on this in relation to how the drama is played out by students over points? Thanks.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I do not tolerate classroom behavior.
I encourage the older students to help the younger ones and that seems to work very well.
I have several student's that are a little upset that their are new student's . How do I balance the feelings of the new student's and still have a good student/instructor relationship with the older student's?
and drama. Too much drama over points...
Annshawn,
You have made the first step already in solving this problem. This is a common problem with cohort groups that stay together for several class sessions. The key is to mix them up and "force" them to interact and problem solve with other members of the class. They may grumble a little at first but if you have clear expectations laid out for the groups then they will be so busy doing the project work they won't have a lot of time to whine.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
