Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Robert,
Plan well for each class meeting. Have your materials laid out and ready to go. Start the class on time and look each student in the eye. If the students see you as being organized and in control they will let you be in control. If they see you as being weak they will take control. Also be firm in your policies of how the course will operate. If you ban cell phones in class and you see a student texting while you are talking you are going to have to stop and ask the student to stop and put the phone away. If you don't then your class rules and policies will be of no value. Something you can do as well is to stop the class and just use silence if some students are talking. It won't take long for the students to look up when suddenly there is silence in the classroom. Just stand there looking at the offender. It will be effective and you haven't had to confront verbally. If that doesn't work talk with the offender after class and explain that the behavior has to stop, if it doesn't remove the student from the class. Stand up when you speak. Sitting down mentally places you at the same level as the students and you don't that. Standing sends the message "I am in charge". Dress professionally. All these little things help to show the students you are in charge. You are going to do fine. If you have any further questions let me know. I will be glad to help in anyway I can.
Gary

Robert Wild

I am a new instructor. My biggest concern (so far) is maintaining or managing classroom control. I’ve never been a confronter so a disruptive classroom environment is way out of my comfort zone. Advise on establishing and maintaining classroom control, confronting disruptive behavior, and reestablishing classroom control after a disruption would be GREATLY appreciated.

Scott Rudeen

Hi Philip,

I totally agree with you!! If we want our students to do well then it must start with how we encourage them through modeling, managing and motivating. :)

Scott Rudeen