First time teaching
I am teaching for the first time. Sometimes I feel like I am giving students too much leniency on attendance and assignments. My philosophy is that students are not there to just pass the subject but to learn. So I do not want students to feel intimidated or frightened about the subject. However, sometimes I see some of the students try to take advantage of it. What's your suggetion on that?
I am also new to teaching. I find your comment on the two parts of instruction to be helpful. I do try to empathize with the students and I share with them that everyone has time management issues but that part of professionalism is to have discipline and to be able to carve out some extra time every day to get their work done. For me one of the issues, in addition to missing class and tardiness, is students doing other work in class. I feel for them because they have a lot of homework, but that's what getting an education is.
Hi Scott,
By developing rapport with your students you will be able to sort through some of the excuses and "family issues" that come up and still be supportive with the students.
I try very hard to be supportive and consistent with my students. I know I am taken advantage of at times but I still want to be as supportive as I can. In my effort to be supportive I make sure that I do not compromise any of the course requirements. I want the student know that I will always maintain the standards of the course no matter the situation. We, the student and I can talk about alternatives in relation to assignments which a situation arises but I will not give them a "pass" on course content and skill development. If I did that I would be less than a professional educator.
Gary
I really want to show the human side and build that relationship and show them I care about them as individuals.
The issue that I am having is that when a student always has a "Family issue" every week, I cant help and feel like I am a little taken advantage of.
Granted this may happen with one student every two sessions, but still!
Thank you for your comment. I will definately keep that in my mind.
I am in the same boat. I think a clear understanding of the school is a business is helpful. Talking with the financial people has helped me focus. I want the students to learn but need them to stay with the program.
Yes.....I am beginning to notice that as well. I am so shocked, because the school I went to had very high standards, and if you didnt measure up, you were gone! With vocational schools, enrollment and retention is important. Its business stuff that I feel I need to learn more about.
Hi Caroline,
You need to separate your instruction into two parts. One, is the class/student management aspect. This means that you are organized, prepared and in control of the classroom. You enforce your policies in relation to attendance and assignment deadlines.
The other is to develop rapport with students and show them respect. This is the human side of teaching. The students will respect you if you adhere to your policies while providing support to them when needed.
If you show too much leniency on attendance and assignments they will not respect you and class management will be very difficult.
Gary
