Stress in the classroom
Handling a class of 25 stuydents can be stressful. Especially with students using cell phones in class. How does one manage their stress level in class and till get the course topics across to students?
Good advise. I find when I'm in front of students, I'm the most relaxed. YOU control the classroom and its flow, not the students. When you let a student "lead" the way, it's the other students that suffer. I give students high respect, college is a life changer in a lot of ways, but I expect students to give the same respect to each other and to myself. I remind them that the people you are with today, can by the future opportunity for your next step tomorrow.
I think when we are dealing with other people there is always going to be stress. when it comes to cell phones try having a bin in your classroom that the cell phones go into when the students enter and then they can pick them up when they leave. I have found that this works very well.
When dealing with a classroom at capacity, may get stressfull, trying to manage all at the same time, while teaching those who need one one assistance, and not neglecting the rest may be stressful.
Don't sweat the petty stuff. Or is it the other?...anyway, just be fair and consistent with regard to rules.
Charles, Love this advice! Sounds like, over the years, you have found a way to be tough but fair. You have also found a way to set reasonable expectations that help adult learners stay on track. Nice work and strategy for others to learn from.
Dr. Melissa Read
The end depends upon the beginning.
Amazingly, I rarely feel classroom stress. I currently teach adults. As such, I set expectations high and do so on the first day. The next step is to reinforce, hold to school and classroom policies, and have a firm and consistent response to misbehavior.
If the students know that you are professional and that you have conviction in adhering to policy, they will respond accordingly.
The cell phone issue, for adults, requires a simple request to be very discreet or be very gone from the room. Be firm on this point.
The instructor is the resident dictator. Be respectful. Be courteous. Be professional. But... BE FIRM.
Involve the administration with chronic problem students. Such support can be critical for covering yourself and maintaining a professional approach to conflict resolution.
