Being consistent
How do you show consistentcy in your classroom if other instructors do not?
gary,
Too true! Good for you for playing by your rules. I am sure the class enjoyed it and also appreciated your consistency.
Rules are important, and as you point out if you have them, they should be enforced. That's why determining what rules you establish is so important; don't put in a place a lot of rules you don't intend to enforce.
Susan Backofen
Exactly how I see it as well. As soon as you make one exception to a rule all other rules are fair game. The rules I enforce in my class are not outrageous by any means. Pretty much the basics, which are explained and reasons for them are given on the first day of class. One thing I do is I hold myself to the same set of rules and I tell them this as well. I am not holier than thou. For instance, I dispise cell phones even though I carry one myself. Golden rule is a cell phone is not to ever interupt my class. It stays silent. If it goes off, take a five minute break to make sure it is not going to go off again. One time in the past nine years it was mine that rang out. The class was suprised as I held my head in shame and kicked myself out of my own class with no excuses. Strict but fair. On the job is no differant.
I have a reputation at the school of being very strict in the classroom. I feel that it is the responsibility of the instructor to maintain order and discipline in the classroom. It is also very important to be consistant in the way it is done.
The rules must apply to all of the students all ofg the time. If one is given a pass on a rule, the next time someone else breaks the rule it must be allowed (first time). In a class of 20, I must then be aware of if it is the first time someone has broken the rule ( permissable) or the second (to be dealt with)
No thank you, I do not choose to keep score. No exceptions, no favorites, less problems.
Timothy--
This is a great point. Consistency is extremely important. Word does 'travel'. And, the really tough teachers, if consistent, have great results.
Susan
All you can do, is to stay consistent in your class room, if you are, students will hear about your class and have a better understanding for when they get to you.
Ginny--
Excellent point. I think it makes us much more 'real' when we let them know we often struggle with similar issues (consistency, attendance, being prepared, etc.)
Susan
That is a good idea for the first day of a class. I tend to go over the expectations, but never express what is expected of me from my boss(es). Being consistent is hard for a single person much less 40+ faculty.
Jeff--
It is great that you are having these conversations in your meetings. That is an effective way to address the issues.
Susan
It becomes very frustrating when you have to deal with inconsistancy of instructors.I deal with at the school I work at and when I get a new group of students I can usally tell what instructors they had previously.When dealing with the students during class intro and expectations I explain that I have plocies and rules to follow just like them and come to agreement that if I follow the rules that they also follow the rules.We continuly address instructor consistancy in our weekly meetings and it is slowly improving.And with that we see it in our students.
In my opinion, consistency is key. When a student sees others that are able to complete the course, go to class, and succeed, it helps for them to be able to follow in someone else's footsteps, sort of like a paved path you are providing for them. Other instructors shouldn't bring you down with their techniques if they can't be consistent with their work. In the future, those instructors will face the consequences. You just do what you do and focus on your students.
Georgette--
That is a sticky point...do we empower continued bad behavior by providing that support? I guess I would have to go with having the support available but setting the tone that the expectation is they will come prepared. We all have those days occassionally :)
Susan
Rehearsing and making notes to touch base for the day not only shows consistency, but it also shows the learners that you are well-seasoned in this class which in turn sets a standard of expectation from the students for the future classes.
Susan,
I totally agree. I think, if the instructor is consistent the students will be too. Sometimes I would come into class and ask the students to take out something. About 20% would say that they didnt bring it and would ask me if I had extra. I did, and that just helped the class go by smoother. The only problem I had, was thinking: is it fair to give those students the materials needed, when the ohers had to bring their own things?
Ubelia--
It is important to show consistency...regardless of what others are doing. Students will appreciate those guidelines and, frankly, it provides them with much more assurance of the expectations you require.
They will face similar situations on the job, as not all supervisors are consistent with how they manage expectations.
Susan
