discipline
We all at times need to enforce standards. How do we know how to enforce? should we follow to the letter or do we show a lenient approach?
Hi Michelle,
It all depends upon how you define discipline in your classroom/lab. Discipline by definition is the acquiring of the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the tasks of the career area. Discipline in this case means meeting the deadlines required for projects, studying to pass the exams, and practicing until the skills have been developed. This is the core of discipline for anyone that wants to learn a new skill. These discipline principles are based upon the standards of the career area. This form of discipline is not punitive but is constructive.
The other discipline definition is one where the instructor demands that students do certain things, as in drill instructor. This is where instructors can get themselves into a box by enforcing discipline such as this and the students feel they are being treated like junior high students. They do need to be treated and respected as adult learners. There cannot be a compromise in relation to safety issues, but in other areas instructors have the freedom to manage the students in a way that is supportive to them and helps create rapport with the students.
Gary
I agree that discipline and respect go hand in hand. However, there are are some students who feel that just because an instructor is strict on discipline, they are being treated like a child.
How have you dealth with these type of situations?
Judy, I agree that there should be expectations from the beginning. That's why it's important for me to go over the syllabus, dates for projects/papers/procedures to be completed, how and when to reach me, and have the students make a calling tree. Another reason for going over the syllabus is to make sure that those students whose second language is English will understand and feel free to ask about certain words in the syllabus that they might not be familiar with. As demographics of nursing students change, we have to be sensitive to their needs and concerns so they won't fall by the wayside because of language barriers.
On day one students walk in with the full respect for the instructor. It is up to the instructor to either keep this or throw it away.
Hi Brandon,
I'm with you on this one. Clarity of expectations from the very beginning can help avoid several issues and concerns.
Hi Brandon,
When most of us speak of ‘easing up’ after we get to know the students, we do not mean being more lenient where the rules are concerned but having the ability to give the students a little more social freedom in class during things like EL activities, reviews and in-class group labs. Once you know your students, you can better evaluate how much freedom to give without things getting out of hand. It is not only possible to have fun within the rules but imperative in my class, and knowing the students allows me to gauge how tightly to clamp-down within the rules.
Good Luck
John
Hello Judy,
I just wanted to expand on the subject of dicipline, and your comments. I also agree that clear expectations should be outlined on the first day. We call it "Standard Operating Procedures" at my institution. I spend quite a bit of time on it the first day of my course so the students make no mistake what the institution's, and my classroom/social policies are. I don't understand other people's comments about "letting up on the students" once you "get to know them." I have never known an employer that "lets up" on his/her employees once they "get to know them." Policy is ploicy, and it must be followed. I am no drill instructor, but I do not accept mediocracy from my students acedemically or socially. I want to prepare them for success in the field by teaching them that policy is policy, and it must be followed...
Hi Randall,
I have to put some more thought into this one. I agree with the modeling factor; however, I strongly believe in sharing clear expectations on the first day. This will avoid any situations in which students may say that they were not clear about behavior or other issues. To me, it helps to set the structure of the class. This has worked well for me and I respect your view since it has also been successful to you.
Along these lines i have always had a "backward" approach. From day one in new instructor training and many times since i have heard that if you start out easy on the students you will never be able to reign them back in. As stated earlier in this thread "start out tough and then you can loosen up a little if needed". What i have found works best for me goes back to what i feel is the key to success in the classroom and that is model the behavior you expect to see. I never read to the class the rules on the first day, they all know the rules. I have one rule and that is "the learning environment must be maintained". From the first moment of class i model the behavior i am wanting from each of them from the way i dress, the way i speak and the words i choose. As situations arrise I deal with them on the spot. For example the first time I hear a student use foul language i just look at them and ask them "next time please find another adjective to use in that sentence" or something like that. The first day or two you will have to say something like this but after that I never have to say a word about it. if there is a slip up the student will automatically correct themselves and if they don't then 28 other students don't mind bringing it to their attention. This works very well for all situations from dress to language. The key to it all is model what you expect, and then kindly ask for compliance as the need arrises. Using this approach, believe it or not, will probably earn you the reputation as the "strictest instructor on campus" I have had many students tell me this but they respect me and would come back to one of my classes anytime. just a different approach that has worked very well and hopefully something in all this rambling will be of use to someone. Good luck to you all!
Hi Christopher,
You make a number of excellent points about student and class management. By following these points the classes should run smoother and the remain focused on their learning.
Gary
Students are expected to adhere to rules and regulation of the program and leniency must not be permitted because things will become unmangeable.
Indeed, students must know what is expected of them in order for them to adhere to the standards and guidelines. For example, a syllabus is an excellent tool for students to utilize because it provides course objectives and a roadmap to achieve academic goals.
HI Laura
I agree that standards must be set in the begining of the educational program in writing for clarity purpose for the student and faculty.
Discipline is a tough subject no matter what. Fairness, consistency, and follow through are all necessary components. There are many different ideas about how to curb problems before they come to the stage of needing discipine to deal with an unwanted occurence. A lot of situations can be avoided ahead of time by taking initiatives at the beginning to set boundaries and form good mutual respect relations with your learners. The bigger challenge is dealing with a situation that arises in a mannner that quels the situation quickly with the least amount of disturbance to the rest of the learners and to be able to compose oneself to continue with the class. This can sometimes be hard to do if you just happen to have a learner that has a few behavioral traits that are unwanted and unwelcome in the learning environment. Being timely, decisive, fair, consistent, and following through with whatever disciplinary action is required is a key point in getting back to the class evironment as quickly as possible.
I agree. I give my students behavior guidelines at the beginning of the term with instructions of what is expected of them. It works for me
I have recently seen the golden rule revised in more that one places; it is being defined as, "Do unto others as THEY would like to be treated." At first I did not get it, but after some careful consideration, I understand and agree with this concept. Everyone wants to be treated with respect - a concept that can be deifferent to everyone. A good example is if you go to soemone's home and they would like you to take off your shoes in their home, you might want to respect that.
Hello Anthony,
On day one I review the schools SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures) as this is the schools policy here to give at the begining of every course. I explain how these guidlines benifit them and their future careers.
I add a little extra though,(my own little rule) My number one rule in the class is " THE GOLDEN RULE" I will write this on the board, ask if anyone knows it and then ask what it means to them. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you ". They ( the students) basicly know this means respecting one another and respecting ME and my job. If an issue ever arises later on during the course, I will remind them of the Golden Rule, then express my feelings that they are not respecting me and my job, and ask them if they still want respect from me. This tactic works wonders for me. I rarely ever have any problems at all.
>>>Marty
Hello Anthony I believe that as instructers we need to find a balance of enforcement and discipline while keeping a good mindset for a comfortable learning environment for the kids.
I agree.It is very important to let the students know what is expected of them and to be consistent throughout the quarter/semester. All students should have to adhere to the same expectations, NO exceptions! It is not easy to stick to the no exceptations rule, but the general thought in most classes are - you let him / her do it, why can't I? It is easier not to bend.
