New kid on the block.
I am a new instructor, and I have taken over for another teacher that has recently gone to on-call. My first day with the students was a little scarey. I had to let the students know that these were my exceptations of them not there former teachers. Are there any others things that I can do to create a more "I am the teacher now" environment without being iron fisted?
I agree Bryan, I too have been placed in this position in the classroom,but if you have already established a no nonsense reputation in school and a good level of communication in the classroom as well it does make it easier. I have found these classes to be this way do to the majority of students thoughts being the class is a waste,now it is my turn to show them that this can be the class they remember best and learned the most from.
that sounds good but what if the class you are taking over is a mess punching each other you can`t start over being nice
Hi JoAnn,
Welcome to the profession. I know you are going to be successful as an instructor if you follow the list of things you want to do with your class the first day. Being professional, knowledgeable, approachable and human you will have a distinct advantage as you get your students settled into the class the first day. By have well prepared introduction materials, a good syllabus and some exciting "ice breakers" you will be in good shape.
Keep up the good work.
Gary
We all remember how important first impressions are. When I have misjudged a person at first, it has taken a considerable amount of time to undo that impression. I am a new instructor, and I hope I present myself to my students the first day as being professional,knowledgeable,yet approachable and human. Ten weeks is such a short time, which makes the first day especially important.
Hi Raquel,
The key thing in a situation like this is to demonstrate your leadership as the instructor. You can give them a quick assignment that can be completed during the class day or the next day that is your assignment. By enabling them to have success with "your" assignment plus you returning the assignment with some notations and/or comments on it you will be showing the students your expectations. They will quickly move from the mind set of the previous instructor to your expectations.
The first day is always the most scary when taking over an existing class. You will find that in a couple of days the shift has been made by your students and they will see you as the instructor and not dwell on the previous instructor.
Gary
Hi Raquel! I think you have crossed a hurdle by clearly expressing what your expectations of them are, even if a bit different from the former instructor. One of the hardest roles is to take over a class taught by a former instructor. With 28 years in the career school industry, just let me say this as a starting guidance (for what it's worth):
-In addition to stating what your expectations of them are, ask them about their expectations of you - or, this is what I expect from you, now what do you expect from me? Create a partnership or a contract.
-Let them see you as the subject matter expert right from the onset.
-Be consistent, consistent and consistent!
-Demonstrate that you know they have valuable ideas and skills to bring to the table, but you are still the instructor.
-Vary your teaching methods with blended activities, active presentations, demonstrations, personal examples and stories, and try to reach the different learning styles.
-Never emphasize, "I am new at this, or this is the first time I have ever taught this;" you are the teacher and there for the right reasons.
-Have students keep a learning journal where they summarize each lesson or application, develop there own questions and relate outcomes directly to the workplace.
-Allow each student a chance to shine.
-Don't be afraid to pull rank when you have to - it strengthens respect if done for the right reason.
The list goes on, but this is a start. To our other instructors, what would you add?
Jay Hollowell
MaxKnowledge/CEE
Sounds like you have an interesting challenge. First I would review what the other teachers expectations were. Then I would compare them to your own, mentally negotiate the priorities and clearly explain them to the students. Depending on the length of your class you may have to make a few allowances. Once students begin in a certain way they are prone to continue in that manner. The next class will be all yours to set the expectations as you want. I hope that was of some help.
