Review of Important Policies - First Day
During the first day of class, the instructor must carefully discuss the policies which students must follow. I firmly believe on the importance of this. Guidelines on student actions and behaviors are established . One of this is showing respect by paying attention and actively listening to the teacher or any student. The teacher must maintain order and be in control of the class as part of his role as a manager and leader (some undesirable situations - teachers allowing students to talk at the same time , sleeping inside the classroom ,unprofessional conduct ,inappropriate behavior ,disrespect , foul language etc.). When teachers are not consistent with the implementation of rules and policies inside the classroom , chaos and disorder can set in which is no longer conducive for learning.
This is absolutely true. If you don't get control the first day you will lose the respect of the students.
I agree that this is probably the most important thing to do on your first day. Laying the foundation of your and the schools expectations is important so the students know what to do.
Hi Phillip,
Well said about being consistent. If an instructor is not consistent they will have nothing but trouble throughout their teaching careers.
Gary
I've seen instructors go to the trouble to go through the SOP's of a class, and then within fifteen minutes not make them apply to a student that breaks the rules. Some instructors relax the rules so they can be the student's 'buddy' and make a good name for themselves with the students, but that only makes it harder on the next instructor that holds students to the rules. That only makes class control that much harder, and you end up spending time on regaining class control that was lost in a previous class.
