Classroom Management
In whatever class I teach, I do not sit down except when I am instructing using a computer during my lecture. I will still get up and walk around periodically to check the progress of the class. I find that I can manage my classroom much better while I am up circulating the classroom. It gives me an opportunity to be aware of what the students are working on, to talk with them individually, and I have found that students will ask me questions if I am involved in the class.
HI Laurie
I agree with you, but classroom management start with time management how as an instructor I will organize my class to be able to delivery on time my course
Laurie, this is a great way of identifying and assisting students who need help. I find this also helps in lecture classes. I walk around, watching students to see who is focused, and to see who might look confused or lost. And, of course, even at the college level there are behavioral issues to deal with. When you have students packed into a classroom, walking up and down the aisle may be the only way you see the "problem" behaviors taking place. Failure to catch/detect these behaviors can affect the learning of students sitting next to, behind, or in front of these problem-students. Therefore, as an instructor I know I am responsible to "police" this behavior to prevent negative interactions between students (which I have had happen in larger classes).
I think in an online classroom it is a little harder to have "classroom management."
That is why your instructor profile and welcome email/video are such an important component. It gives students the feel that they have a real live person on the other end of the computer. Also being available through IM or email throughout different times of the day helps as well. I make sure to welcome each student personally and individually in every class so that they know they can have one on one time with me if they so choose to.
Hi Laurie,
In positioning yourself as you do you are sending a very clear message that you are there to help, just as you indicated. It may not seem like much but such things like this really send a message that you are there to help the student be successful. This helps with respect and rapport development as well.
Gary
Hi Bruce,
Your approach sends a very clear message to your students. When an instructor sits down he/she they have through body language taken themselves out of the leadership position momentarily. This is good because it can relax the students and lets them know they can do their work with you being available should they need your help. When you stand back up they know you are ready to assume the leadership once again and that the class will be moving on to another topic.
Gary
When I helping students, I sit in a chair next to them and help them instead of standing over them trying to help them. I really think this helps the student feel more trust too.
I too like to walk through the class during instruction but I try often to sit down when students are completing in-class assignments. I believe I need to give the students the feeling that I trust them to do their work and to help them gain the confidence they need to work things out on their own sometimes. Of course, I do not just turn my back to the class. I keep the eyes in the back of my head wide open.
Hi Laurie,
Good way to make your presence known. You are making the entire classroom yours. By remaining behind a desk you are saying to the students the rest of the class is yours. This is when student behavior management can become an issue.
Gary
