Hi Cynthia,
Absolutely! Rapport is very important. Everything runs smoothly when a relationship is involved.
Patricia Scales
The importance of clss management begins and ends with the trust and repore between Instructor and students.That repore is established when students have trust in their Instructor and administration.
Hi Karen,
I like the choice of words, but I stick to the old terminology "rules" so that students know that I mean business.
Patricia Scales
I think calling your expections classroom etiquette instead of classroom rules,, you are toning it down. The term etiquette may not be understood by your students. You should point out that your list of expected behaviors indicates a respect and concern for the treatment of others. All students need to respect the right of their classmates to have an effective learning environment.
The classroom and laboratory settings are the only environments I can influence. I can make suggestions about appropriate learning and studying environments and habbits at home, but once the students leaves campus, I can't control what they do. I have a responsibity to my students to provide an effective learning environment at school. I try provide time for small group activities for students to discuss concepts between themselves. I make it clear that when I am speaking to the class as a whole, they are not to be talking to their neighbor. not only are the talkers missing what I am saying, but their behavior is very distractive to the rest of the class.
During my first year of teaching, I learned first-hand the pitfalls of poor classroom management.
These pitfalls are the same ones that have been identified in this course: 1)A dominant student takes "control" over situations and their personality -- positive or negative -- is the one that other students listen to. When this happens, other students who are looking to the instructor for leadership, are confused and insecure about what is going on. 2) End result is learning does not take place.
Now, I have passed my second year of teaching, and I have learned how to improve greatly upon my classroom management practices.
I received lots of coaching from my department chair, who wanted me to succeed. I had the good sense to follow the advice and example -- and see the much better results in my classroom. I am much less intimidated by students who are disruptive -- and I have learned how to manage them so they do not to take over a classroom.
Classroom management skills are extremely important in providing a positive and productive environment for students so that they can learn what they are in school to learn.
The rules, regulations and policies are just as much part of the students' "roadmap" to success as the lessons themselves. Nobody likes to get blind-sided by some vague or obscure rule while they're trying to focus on their work. Setting those parameters removes that distraction from the learning process.
It establishes that the instructor has control of what is happening in the class. While there is time for lateral discussion, these discussions can go off tangent at times, good class management will reel that discussion back into the fold and keep the subject on track.
It shows students that you are organized and will approach the course in a professional manner. It sets the tone for class procedure and discussion.
Leon Guendoo
I like your plan.... I do the same thing but was only creating a work plan for myself. I then distribute the information to the students verbally or through syllabus however some get it and some dont. I am going to use your idea in the class room.
thank you
Class management is not simply one thing. It involved the knowledge of the teacher, communication skill and proper follow of the syllabus.
It is important because my students know exactly what is expected. When students know how a class is expected to run they will usually rise to the top because the initial anxiety of the class is now gone.
Hi Jamilya,
I concur! I am this type of instructor. I hardly ever have any disciplinary problems with my students because they know that I am very fair and a stickler for rules, policies, and procedures.
Patricia Scales
Students are able to absorb and digest information in a clear and concise manner in a class that is managed professionally. The instructor being more focused and organized has an effect on the way students respond and react to classmates, other students,and staff. Students often follow rules, policies and procedures when this is done.
It makes the learning atmosphere better, especially in a very diverse classroom.
Hi David,
As instructors, if we preach to our students the importance of time, we must certainly be timely.
Patricia Scales
All students need to know that all classes will start on time. The instructor should make the students aware of the importance of being on time. He should also advise them as to how important it is that they are aware of what is going on at all times in the class. In order to succeed one must have focus. I believe this will go a long way in manageing a class.
Because you need structure in the class setting.
I agree with you Richard. The students do need to be in a structured classroom, however structure is not automatic and the instructor has additional responsibilities to the individual students and to the class collectively. The instructor through his/her communication and actions has to convince the students that he/she is not only focused on their success in that class but also in their goals. Bridging those two objectives is not easy process and can be a challenge. While the instructor will have a common objective, the students will not only have their individual focus but also their desired outcomes.
In all of my classes I have a written handout for all students which I give them at the start of our first class together. I go over each and everyone of these rules so that they are well aware that these rules will be enforced throught our time together.
Margaret Clarke
