One of the things to remember is that we are there for the students not the other way around. We need to do everything we can [within guidelines of course] to help the student become successful.
This information would be useful to new instructors. I had no idea what to do to control the class starting out. I was just like them in high school and nothing the teacher did worked on me. I was given very little guidance but what help I did get from my supervisor has helped me to make great improvements over the last years. I have gone from throwing people out because I didnt know what else to do, to working with the students to make sure everyone gets the education they deserve.
After taking this course I have realized that I am a buddy instructor with a guide trait. I have though geared myself to become more of a controller in my classes. By the time the students are in my class they have their little clicks and personalities with each other and after a few days I gear myself to fit the class. I do kick myself sometimes for being a buddy and wanting to become more of a controller but I just despise that teaching method in the type of creative industry we are in. I want students to find themselves and find their way of handling situations or tasks on their own. I do use timing to keep students on track and I am strict on this aspect because time is money and clients do not wait for excuses on why we are late. I hope my traits rub off on students because they are entering a hospitality world and need to remember that everyone including their employees our guests and should be treated with respect.
This module was very helpful. It provided me with a clear picture of the management style and their effectiveness or lack thereof. I am a guide and a buddy, but sometimes more of a buddy. I am working on becoming more organized, staying on task, using class time effectively, and always enforcing the rules. I believe when I master these items I will be more of a guide than a buddy.
Jeff, you have hit the nail square on the head. Set the stage of expectations early, inspect what you expect, and always be fair but firm. All common sayings but all are very true when it comes to getting control over your students early.
James Jackson
It is understood that instructors have different management styles and sometimes it takes a while to not only figure out the type of style that an instructors utilizes, but also figure out if it is effective. I believe that I have been just about each of the different styles at different times. However, sometimes the wrong styles at the wring time may not be very effective. I have learned that utilization of certain styles at appropriate times is most effective. I at times have to be a guide, controller, etc., but I have to make sure that students understand what is expected of them and that respect is a two way street.
Getting students involved in understand and sharing of the school policies allows for the transition to a more effective classroom management to happen smoothly.
I have made it a point to clearly explain classroom policies, procedures, and expectation on the first day of class. I have tried to present these in a way that the students do not feel like I am reading them the "riot act". I want them to know how the class will be run and what the expectations are, but I do not want to put them on defense either. I have found that if I present them with the policies and expectations that cannot be changed or altered first and them collectively establish some of the more flexible ones they are more willing to follow all of the policies.
Denise, try to not focus so much on their age and focus more on their learning habits and preferences. Have you engaged in any classroom discussions about your concerns with respect to their behavior in your class? What are the consequences for your students if they leave your class with little or no knowledge of your subject matter? May be a good time to make sure they understand that the disruptions caused by their lack of professionalism is taking away from their ability to receive the knowledge they need to move forward. If your subject matter will be required by other classes or be a topic of importance during the interview process you may want to bring this information forward and help them understand why they should take more interest in what you have to share.
James Jackson
Amanda, you bring forward a critical point. If you make the subject more interesting to the students than their distractions they will avoid the distractions and focus on your lesson and learning outcomes. If the distractions are more interesting than your materials and your presentation you stand a much higher chance to losing the attention of your students.
James Jackson
Yes. Students will test the waters. I sometimes, feel that the class tries to run the classroom. Before I can give them direction, they are shouting out orders for me. It drives me bananas! This week I will try to implement some of the ideas in this course. Any advise you can give me would be much appreciated. Ages of my students are from 30-60's. Any input? Thanks~
Jessica, think of this as a professional relationship. Nothing wrong with establishing a relationship with students as long as they understand the boundaries and the focus is the ability for them to receive the transfer of knowledge you are providing.
James Jackson
Denise, the more you can establish expectations and then teach to those expectations the better time you will have with classroom management. Students will take most advantages of situations where they feel they can manipulate a situation to their favor. If students know from day one that you are fair but firm, you will experience less negative issues.
James Jackson
As a new instructor I find management of time and focus on a certain idea helps manage the classroom. If you are consistent and confident in the subject it's less likely to have disruptions. Students will respect you more and will be more willing to learn than disrupt.
I've noticed that I could be considered the "buddy" with aspects of a guide. I have realized many mistakes I have made in the past, because of this course. I am going to move more towards the Guide, now with the help of this course. I think that developing a report with the students is important, along with maintaining the respect you need to succeed.
I set the tone on the first day of class by reading the syllabus, and then on the second day of class giving a "Syllabi Quiz". This way, the students know from the start what is expected, what I will and will not tolerate in my classroom.
Stephen, there is no excuse for an instructor to not be properly prepared for a class or for a course. Preparation is key and lack of preparation sends a message to students that is difficult if not impossible to overcome. Credibility as an instructor can take a lifetime to achieve but one bad day can take it all away.
James Jackson
I have found that if I am on time and have also run the lesson over in my head that the class moves smooth. Of course the opposite happens if I am not. My improvements on this are to study the subject in depth outside of the curriculum as long as it will be applied at a future date. Also if I encourage the students to share their experiences about the subject while in the field, I feel that we as a class can learn more because it shows the curriculum in practice in the work place.
Suzanne, great technique and a very critical point. Be active in the classroom and not a passive observer. Move around and change things up. Too many routines and common processes only result in students being bored and the instructor being predictable. Not saying to go for the "shock" value as this is not the way to go but it is totally appropriate to introduce new teaching techniques and approaching the subject matter from different directions from time to time.
James Jackson
Craig, we tell our students we learn from our mistakes, why then do we expect different results from teachers. My focus has always been to take ownership of my mistakes and use them as teachable moments. Students seem to react well and I have been told it makes me seem more "human" to them. The mistake is thinking we as instructors are not allowed to make mistakes.
James Jackson
The biggest improvement I have made is to really pay attention to what each student is doing and respond to it so that I bring them back to full participation in the class. This requires different tactics at different times, but the biggest help is regular scanning of the class to look for those who need a nudge. Even if I think I could have done it better, I learn from each experience. If they are not willing/able to participate, they need to go elsewhere until they can really be there. This is not mean, it simply deals with the reality in the moment.
