Bridget, well stated and accurate. Your goal is for students to know you care about their success in school. It is not about popularity or how many students invite you to their Facebook site. Mutual respect and building a safe learning environment is the target.
James Jackson
Having an excellent rapport with the student is great but as one of my mentors always states. "It is a difference in friends and friendly You dont want the student to cross the line and as you know if you give a student an inch they will take a mile
Theodore, outstanding post. Students talk among themselves and the goal if any instructor is for students to promote your course to others. A course can have difficult content but be a favorite among the student body. If the instructor is engaging and prepares lesson plans around student interests then the students will participate and learn from the activities.
James Jackson
gary, well stated. Students can easily identify when an instructor is passionate about a subject matter or they are just going through the motions to earn a paycheck. The great instructors are the ones that can engage their students through inspirational discussions and dialog versus just lecturing to their students.
James Jackson
excitement of a subject is contageous and will get students excited and wanting to learn more about it.
Good classroom manage requires the instructor to have good communications with his students. The students have to feel comfortable enough with the instructor to be able to approach the instructor and discuss classroom problems and issues. The instructor has to be able to create a classroom environment where students can discuss subject topics in an orderly fashion. The instructor must also be a motivator where students are successful in accomplishing course objectives.
Ronald, of course you need to conduct your classroom the best way you see fit. No class will satisfy the needs of all situations and all personalities. The purpose is to provide food for thought and get you interested in engaging in conversation to discuss the types of situations you encounter and how others handle those situations. If your students progress and are well prepared for future courses and eventually become graduates then there may not be anything you need to change.
James Jackson
Dianne, great post. The best way to know how best to react to your students is to first know them and understand their needs. The more you understand their needs the better you can determine the role you need to play. I look forward to others who post to this discussion and read their comments.
James Jackson
really enjoyed the points made...but...I am a disciplinarion in class! I do play off the type of student I may have in a class!!
In order to be a successful instructor in the adult classroom it is best to maintain a high level of professionalism but at the same time you need to be seen as approachable. Adult learners often come from difficult personal situations and that is why they are seeking education - to better their situation. A successful instructor needs to be mindful of those personal challenges the students may be experiencing but also be a guide in helping them make school a priority so they can be successful in completing the program.
Bryan, Dr. Joe Pace from The Pacific Institute talks to instructors about having an intelligent heart. Our goal as instructors is to create a safe learning environment that invites student questions. Instructors do not need to be on a student's Facebook page but we do need to ensure we earn their trust and respect. They also need to know we care and are not robots. Teach with compassion and conviction at the same time.
James Jackson
I think that you have to be prepared and know the subject matter that you are instructing. Treat all the students with the respect that you demand from them. Also do not try and be a students friend.
Craig, very well stated. Just like an actor in a play, while on stage your always remain in character and play your role. Leave the real-world outside of your classroom and outside of the institution. While in the presence of students, be positive, be scholarly, be professional.
James Jackson
Professionalism,responsility,respect for yourself and others,dependability,compassion,and enthusiasm will go a long way in making an individual an excellent instructor and will lead to good classroom management.
It is always a challenge because of changing dynamics - incoming students, varying ages of students, personality conflicts among students and between instructors and students.
An instructor must always be willing to move forward, accept guidance and advice from peers and learn from mistakes made.
Nancy, what are some take-a ways you will utilize within your own classroom?
James Jackson
Nancy, what are some of the ways you define professionalism? How do you personally go about presenting your self to your students?
James Jackson
I agree that respect is vital in the classroom. It is a trait they will need in the workplace. I give my student the rules the first day and I tell them that I will respect them as long as they respect me. This works well and also I give them expectations and we strive to accomplish these as a team and individuals.
Are there any other suggestions for the first day of class to help students to succeed?
Taking this course sheds light on making us look at ourselves as to what kind of instructor we are. We can then use the information to improve our classroom strategies for the best results.
I believe that the way the instructor presents themselves demonstrates itself to students. It is vital that professionalism is demonstrated at all times.
I agree, and that is what we do. I tell them that we are always learing, and educaion never stops. I n my field i know we all learn more after school by being in you field of work.
Jacob.
