Rapport Building
I have found that introductions, professional experience and shared interests are great for building a rapport between the students and I and benefits the entire class overall.
Susana,
Being a sub is tough for every teacher because the students do not take that person seriously even though they should. As to your question about getting them engaged I found that since I am only going to be in the class for one or two sessions I try to work on reviewing and reinforcing what has been taught. I put the students into groups and have the problem solve or I set up a game type format and quiz them. This way I break up the heckler and jokster groups plus the game format gets them involved and competing. Helps to set the tone for the class.
Gary
I generally go in with this attitude; but after today, as a substitute teacher...I had a good portion of the class demonstrate their lack of seriousness, or even seeing themselves in the field working. I ofcourse had the few that were embarrassed that they were in the class with these students, and were apologizing for them! I assured them that it was in no way a reflection on them....I really experienced the full spectrum.
I went in thinking that they were really interested students [95% probably is, but once the jokers start...several others that are not as bold were willing to giggle to spur them on].
Since they are not my class, I also did not know many of them by name; which makes it that much harder. I wanted to impliment something that was said in another forum; which I thought was brilliant. When a student "plays you" ...asking questions to sandbag the class [as you know they're not serious, and meant to entertain & derail from note taking,etc....it was suggested to give out index cards at the beginning of the class,so that they could jot down questions;and then reviewed @ break and then answered. This way any non-serious question could just be discarded and the whole Heckler-type activity nipped in the bud. I forgot to bring my index cards!!! Do you know any other way than the carrots and sticks approach that may be effective?
hi Vincent
Sharing professional experience can definitely benefit the rapport in the classroom. One thing an instructor may not want to do is seperate them from the class. Student are trying to reach the level of the instructor. In a effort the instructor has to first be on the student level. Remind them that at one point in time that you yourself was a student and went through the same things that they are going through. Giving examples of professional situations can smooth the surface that they meaning the student will be more comfortable. It also shows that the interest are shared and everyone in the class including the instructor has the same commom goal. That is to see every student succeed.
