new instructor
If your a new instructor taking over midway what are some good approaches to take.
Hi Bret,
I concur! As a new instructor, you must be prepared, knowledgeabe, confident, professional, approachable, and fair. When students realize you have these attributes all is well.
Patricia
Hi Teresa,
Students need to know that you care about them.
I allow my students to use the restroom without getting permission. I've had some students to say the rule is childish whenver they have to ask or sign out to use the restroom. Your rules are your rules, and I respect your rules.
Patricia
As a new instructor it is good to talk about experience in the field
As an instructor taking over a class, go in with confidence. Make sure to let the class know that you have the knowledge and credentials to be there as the instructor, and listen to the students. I have found that many students will be happy to let you know what has been happening in the class, both good and bad, prior to your arrival. Learning from other instructor mistakes as well as your own is a good thing.
Stick to the syllabus. Set your rules for example, signing out and in from rest room break, if one is taken during lecture. Let students know that you are aware of what they do and you go by the rules. On a lighter side, they must also know that you are also there for them
Thanks, that is a good idea.
I tried to be very organized. I stay in touch by email constantly. I answer all emails very quickly. I assist students when they need help. I make assignments very clear. I direct them to additional resources that I make available to them.
Hi Rhonda,
You are definitely on point when it comes to being a new instructor. New instructors should work through EVERY assignment on the syllabus. How do you know if you really understand the assignment, if you have not done it? Having control is a must, students tend to want to take advantage of new instructors. Go in on Day 1 with your established rules and don't deviate from them. Let them know that you are there to help them succeed.
Patricia
Hi Scott,
As an instructor do your own thing because each instructor teaches differently. Students have to respect you for who you are and for not someone else. As mentioned, consistency and fairness are key.
Patricia
Hi Rhonda,
As a new instructor, what kind of things did you do to ensure your classes flowed smoothly?
Patricia
These are good ideas and should well be adhered to.
No matter what the instructor before you has done, make sure you are fair and consistant with the students from here on. And that they understand the objectives for the rest of the term.
1. Try to complete the remaining assignments on the syllabus.
2. Gain control immediately.
3. Try to learn names very quickly.
4. Assure students that your main concern is to teach them the remainder of the course according to the preset guidelines the prior teacher had.
5. Make it interesting.
Hi Catherine,
Having a pretest is a good way to determine knowledge base. I also like doing a posttest as well to determine growth. I use the same test for the pretest as the posttest.
Patricia
Set clear expectations to avoid confusion during the process. Assess the class for their current knowledge base through a pre-test.
Hi Peter,
Good approaches to take when taking over midway:
1) Make your presence known
2) Let the students know your rules, policies, and procedures on Day 1
3) Tell the students you will not be compared to Teacher X
4) Mention your credentials/qualifications
5) Be firm, yet approachable
6) Ensure your students you have their best interest at heart
7) If possible, try to keep things as close to what the students are use to
Patricia
