New adjunct instructor
This is my first time teaching in a formal setting and am having a difficult time connecting with my students. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Ali,
Good points about how to work with students. You are right about maintaining a professional distance while still developing rapport with them. Showing your human side is a great way to do this in relation to showing them that you understand their situations.
Gary
I am an adjunct also I have found that calling them by name and asking how school and their lives are going is a good way to get to know your students and show that you care. I find listening helps. But on the same side you have to be careful in how involved you get because then you run into the buddy buddy and they get more upset when you get strict with them
Hi Crystal,
First be the adult. With good organization and planning you will be prepared the first day. Be there early and greet each student as he/she come in to the class. Start on time and give a brief introduction about the class and what experiences brought you to the classroom. This sets the tone for the students that they have a professional educator that is ready to help them achieve another step toward their career goals. Be yourself but do it in way that establishes you as the leader and you will do fine.
Gary
I am also a new adjunct instructor about to start my first class. Since most of my students will be older than I am connecting with them is something I am worried about. How do I keep that professional barrier without seeming aloof or stuck up? And how do I take charge of a class of my elders? Many of my favorite and the best teaching techniques for my subject are somewhat childish (but very effective) like episodes of the Magic School Bus. I would love to use these tools but I also don't want to insult my students intelligence.
Hello Angela,
I would agree that it is important to show the students that you are interested in them and their learning the material. By allowing them to introduce themselves and tell you what they want to or expect to learn it gives them a feeling of being a part of the learning process. As well as letting you know their expectations of the class. This can help you in your class planning keeping them excited and wanting to come back.
Hi Angela,
What is the subject area you are teaching? Can you use group learning, case studies, and ice breakers in the instructional process? I have found the strongest connections are based upon mutual respect and rapport. If you can create a human connection with the students then the instructional connection becomes much easier. I do this through discussion groups, games, Q&As, etc..
Gary
Hi, Angela,
I have been an adjunct professor since 1999 and the simple tool that I found to be very effective in learning my students and getting them to respond to me is making a placard with their name for them to use EACH class period. Especially with a larger class, being able to respond to a question or call on a student and use their name personalizes the interaction.
Also, during the first class, I have each student give their name, what their degree will be in, and how they percieve this class helping them in their chosen field. Sometimes the answer is that "I don't but it is required." However, most of the student want to get the most out of the class and your understanding how the they want the class to help them is very valuable.
