Dan Sassaman

I believe it is important that the students know you are not the OLD instructor and then show them with professionalism and enthusiasm. When the students see that you have your own style they will realize how a different instructor can be a positive rather than a negative experience. If they see you trying to be the OLD instructor they will see you as incompetent and then troubles will ensue.

Ryan Shiroma

I was in the same situation last November when I took over an English class at midterm week, and I agree completely with what's already been posted. It's a difficult situation because students are forced to adapt to a new learning environment and a new teaching style. But I will suggest to try to integrate some of the previous instructor's expectations for the course with your own, so that students can find a few consistencies. Other than that, keep your sense of humor. It's an interesting situation.

Rickey Harrison

Be yourself and teach as if it was the first day in any other class.

hans susser

hi karina,
i fully agree with you. when you take over a class from somebody else, it is essential that you set the tone which is most comfortable to both you and the class.

Michell Torres Garcia

Thank you for your answer I had the same question that Karina had.

Bernard Candelaria

Hi Karina,
I have had good success by establishing the class as my class. If taking over a class, or starting a new class do it the same. Begin by introducing yourself, with a quick summury of your experiance, and how this qualifies you to be in front of the class. explaine your expectations of the class,and what the students can expect. Then start with your instruction.
Bernie

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Karina,
This is a tough position to be in if you are taking over a course part way through it. If you are starting a new course on your own it won't be long before the students will start to see you as the new professional educator running the class. Make sure to have a well organized and well thought out plan for your class. The students will most often compare your personality and organization of the class against the previous instructor. By being a strong model,manager and motivator you will do fine and time is your biggest asset. You will be amazed at how quickly students forget about the previous instructor in terms of comparing after they have completed a project and/or activity with you.
If you are taking over part way through a course for an instructor you will want to have an activity that lets the students experience success quickly. This will let them relax and feel that they are going to be successful with you as their new instructor. After a couple of weeks you will be established and will have started developing rapport with the students.
Gary