Jessica, getting to know your students can be a great tool in determining who needs discipline and who needs assistance. The longer you know your students the longer you can better understand their behaviors.
James Jackson
I agree , after 16 years of teaching I've come to realize mistakes I made early on as well . Dropping the hammer on people often results in nothing but alienation . It's better to offer constructive criticism when possible .
I am a mix really but I lean mostly toward the "Buddy" role. I am in a situation that allows me to have the same students for several classes months at a time. I usually start off strict and by the end of my time with them they know what to expect and then require hardly any disipline at all. Its very enjoyable to teach a class that doesn't need much managing (more time for learning). I actually hate dealing with unruley students because I myself am very confrontational. It is hard for me to back down from a trouble maker so I try to prevent that before it ever happens. So, my advice is be strict at first then you can be gentle as time goes on.
Hello Manuel I am also a young instructor I began at the age of 28 I am now 32 and in the beginig i started as a controler but now I feel that I have a combination of my own.
Sonny, glad you enjoyed the course and very excited to hear of your experiences as you implement these new techniques. Please visit back from time to time and share your experiences.
James Jackson
After learning this module ED113. I immediately figured out that I am more of buddy instructor rather than the guide instructor. It opened my eyes to see how my management style may not work on certain situations. This module clearly defines what we should be and how to handle classroom management. Great lessons here and I am now focused on Guide instructor mode. Just learning this fact alone would make me a better instructor. Great modulde ED113!
We go over the syllabus and class rules (no cell phones, penalty for late assignments, etc.) then I give them a pop quiz on what we've discussed from the syllabus and those class rules. I took the idea from our Dean of Education. The idea is to make sure they understand the attendance policy, class rules, etc. They are not expected to know each lesson or objective. I just need to know that they understand the rules right away so we can proceed with the lessons. It's a class management strategy. Hope this clears it up. Thanks! Heather
Heather, I want to make sure I understand your statement. You are equating a pop quiz to effective understanding of the class rules and expectations? What research are you going by with respect to this alignment of teaching and learning? After one class session of rules and expectations the students are expected to be ready to be assessed on the information? Please discuss your learning theory here so the group can better understand and provide feedback.
James Jackson
Ernest, what flexibility do you offer to your students in return for their flexibility on the delivery of the course outline?
James Jackson
I spend the first day going over rules and expectations, even give a pop quiz on the subject to make sure they understand what is expected of them for the class. If problems occur, I deal with them individually. It's not as easy as it sounds, and it doesn't always work (they don't care or pay attention sometimes) but I think it's the most respectful way for them and for me.
I find that setting clear expectations on day one is critical in setting the tone for student expectations. I also ask them to be flexible when we discuss the course outline. I explain that by being flexible the class can take advantage of unanticipated opportunities, such as guest speakers or unscheduled campus events that will enhance their learning. I also assure them that everything in the course outline will be well covered.
Ernie Beasley
Lee, the awesome thing here is you are willing to be critical of your own strategies. This shows me that you are working hard towards moving from a good instructor to a great instructor. Pat yourself on the back and understand these things take time. Greatness comes through hard work and a strategy to get you there, you seem to have this well in hand. : - )
As for the "leader of the pack" situation, best practice here is to have one-on-one discussions with your students that seem to want to take control in the classroom. As them directly why they feel they need this level of attention and do they know the level of disruption they cause in the classroom? My experience has been that students often times do not even know you see them in that light. Let them know if they are interested you are happy to give them additional assignments and even have a part in the delivery of the lesson plan if interested. Find ways to use their energies in more constructive methods that add value to the classroom versus a distraction. Come back to this discussion forum from time to time and let us know how things are going. The more information we all share, the better we call can become at working through such situations. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to hearing more.
James Jackson
After being involved in this course I realize that I was about 50% guide, 25% controller and 25% buddy. I see the need to concentrate efforts on being less of a controller and buddy. I have been teaching a short time and still in the process of firming up my classroom strategies, but I have already seen a big improvement in classroom control once these traits are recognized. I still lack a good strategy for dealing with the "leader of the pack" mentality that some new students have. It appears to be a pecking order situation where some students are trying to establish themselves as the big man on campus. It has never been a problem with me, but I see it affecting other students. My approach has been unorganized. Do you have any tips for an organized approach to this situation?
Daniel, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. We have all heard that phrase but in the classroom it is more true then in other areas. Students can detect when you are not prepared and it gives them a signal that the class is a blow off class so they will follow that lead. If you are well prepared for each lesson, students will better respect you as they feel you are better respecting their time as well.
James Jackson
As a new instructor I was overwhelmed when it came to classroom management. I found out very quickly that if you are not thoroughly prepared, your students lose their respect for you. When I tried to "regain" control I came across as a heavy handed disciplinarian. I have learned that students respect you more when you show confidence and show that you care about their education as well as the knowledge you possess. At the beginning of a phase with my new students I spend about an hour going over both campus and classroom policies. The key is to present it to them without it sounding just like a bunch of rules they have to follow. Be consistent, fair and patient.
Amy, be strategic in your focus on changing your style. Invite colleagues to visit your classroom and give you constructive feedback. Record your classroom sessions and watch or listen after a couple of days and document what you want to change. Focus on one or two things to change, correct for small items first and then focus more on higher level issues as you fix the simple things first. Your goal is to record your classes in a year and not have as many things that need your focus. This takes time but is worth the effort.
James Jackson
Lou, go beyond being liked and focus on being the instructor that demands the best out of your students. Students may like instructors that do not challenge them or take them outside of their comfort zones but they come to love those instructors that take their learning to a new level and allow them to achieve results they never thought possible. In some situations, their instructor is the only person in their circle of influence that challenge them to move beyond the simple and easy and achieve success at higher levels that will assist them later in their lives. The single greatest experience an instructor can experience is observing their students during a graduation ceremony more than receiving a course evaluation where all the marks are high because the instructor is "liked" by the students. I would rather graduate all of my students that have a single student think of me as their friend.
James Jackson
James, awesome to hear. Allowing your students to be decision makers in the classroom gets them involved, engaged and interacting with your curriculum. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
Michele, lead by example but also be human and provide for fair and consistent compliance with your classroom policies. One size does not fit all so avoid being robotic in your decision making processes.
James Jackson
Heather, you may want to consider finding innovative ways to incorporate the use of cellular phones within the classroom. Texting quiz results or responses to classroom discussions could engage more of your students. Times are changing and we can either embrace change or struggle against it.
James Jackson
