Liza Kollman

I think its also important to make sure that students trust you and appreciate your abilities and expertise.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Melissa,
Good point. These are adults enrolled in an educational setting designed to help them acquire the knowledge and skills needed for career success. Inappropriate behavior on the part of certain students cannot be allowed to distract from the education of the other students. We can manage such behavior by working with the students in such a way that they respect what we are trying to do with our teaching. For some that is not possible and they need to be removed from that class for the sake of others.
Gary

Melissa Weaver

I agree students need to know that "we mean business" and will not tolerate inappropriate behavior. However, there is an appropriate method of communicating this. This does not mean that we should be unreasonable, but it does mean we should be professional. Often, it all comes down to the golden rule. "Its not what we say, but how we say it".

kia shafe

Absolutely! But they also need to know that the instructor is running a fair business!

Sandy Finch

That's true, but not in an overbearing way. You have to let them know you're serious about their education.