Standing Firm but Approachable
I believe that the first class time will make or break you for the term of the class. You want to come across firm but yet approachable. You don't want to be taken as a push over but you don't want to come across as the teacher everyone fears. You want to make known that you expect the policies and rules to be followed but are understanding at the same time.
I think this is especially challenging in teaching adult learners. Many adult learners been in professional roles, approaching instructors as colleagues. Approachability is important, even so, boundaries must be established from the start of the course.
Hi Stephanie,
This is a common problem when another teacher gets a group of students that are used to getting their way or playing one teacher off another. Continue to hold fast to the rules that are needed to keep the class progressing.
I would explain that you are bringing to the classroom your instructional style and that you are looking forward to working with the students. Granted your style might be different from the other instructors but it is your style so you can work to help your students to understand why you are doing what you are. Set up discussions with the students to draw them out and work to earn their respect. Students have a short memory about things if they are engaged and enjoying the class and their instructor. It won't be very long before they are all participating in the class because you will have branded it with your own instructional personality.
Gary
I find my students telling me well this teacher let us do this in this class and we did this for tests in this class because they know I'm new. It's like they expect that I'm going to do what there other teachers do whether I agree with it or not. Then when I tell them I'm not going to do it that way they kind of tune out and stop participating in class. How do you handle a stubborn class when you know rules are rules and you don't feel like bending them?
Hi Suzanne,
By being firm, fair and consistent with your polices and actions you will earn the respect of your students. In addition as they and you all get comfortable with each other you will begin to develop rapport with them and this helps greatly with the atmosphere of the class and attitude of the students.
Gary
I find I have some real trouble with this one. I want to ensure that my students respect me, the class policies as well as the other students, but how to do so without being the mean teacher or the complete is something I still struggle with.
I think most of us struggle with the balance as well. I also decided that if i don't know the answer to something, to actually say that, and tell them I'll find out instead of trying to look smart or make something up.
I keep in mind that I know I have a demanding personality type. However, I like to joke as well. In the class room I always make sure to look at questions and reply with one of two answers. 1) what does the syllabus say about that matter; or 2)Give and honest answer.
Hi Mark,
Good point. Respect is a powerful tool for reaching students. By respecting each other both students and instructor have common ground upon which they can build rapport leading to a successful class.
Gary
A simpler way to put it is to be respected but not feared. People will be willing to come to you as a mentor knowing they will be helped rather than be afraid of being belittled.
Absolutely. There is a similar tension between maintaining a professional image, yet being open and spproachable. I know that in my first teaching experiences I was overly-focused on being professional and formal; now I'm able to relax a bit and be a little more informal (and have a little more fun with the class). It's fine (and necessary) to be friendly, but the teacher-student roles must remain well-delineated. As the teachers we need to be establishing rigorous expectations for the students.
I am continually balancing these two aspects of my teaching persona: academic rigor and structure with empathy. Consistency in my grading helps with the former and humor with the latter. This extends to every class day not just the first.
