Adult Learners "Everything I need to know about teaching adults I learned in Middle School"
The one thing, I find difficult to do as a teacher of adult learners is correct behavior. When they are talking, using pda's, chewing tobacco, and any other thing you can think of instead of doing work and paying attention. It is a fine line of being respectful and making them feel welcome and getting them to be professional. Any insight others have is welcome!
Regards,
Scott
Hi Richard,
Good point about technology in the classroom. As it creeps in we instructors are challenged to keep the attention of our students and keep them making forward progress with their studies.
Gary
Facebook is the thorn in my side during class. I have the respect...and a good group of students. But everyone (innocently) will sneak a peak at Facebook at any moment during class. I guess it's better than a cell phone going off.
I like this idea Zack! Taking the quiz is a great way to make sure students are really aware of the rules, i.e. the "Code of Ethics." Calling the rules a Code of Ethics seems to be more professional, and therefore would hopefully encourage students behave professionally as well.
Hi Zack,
Good point and a key one to maintaining class control. Respect has to be a part what the students learn about and then practice during the course. This will help them with career success upon graduation.
Gary
Fairness is the issue! You must be consistant across the board. I have a lot of discussions in my class, and the biggest issue that I have is people talking over others. I stress the "Golden Rule".
Nice Chad! On the first day of class, I hand out a "Code of Ethics" for the classroom. I will explain the Code of Ethics and I actually quiz them on it during the second class period.
Hi Chad,
Good point and one that instructors really need to understand. Someone is going to be in control of the class and it is so much easier for everyone if it is the instructor. Be fair, firm and consistent and class management issues will be greatly reduced.
Thanks for making this point.
Gary
The key to eliminating bad behaviors is to explain the class rules at the beginning of the course. Then hold the students accountable for all infractions against these rules. Once you show the class you will not tolerate this type of behavior it is reduced. If you simply go with the flow and think they will act better you are asking for trouble down the road. Make the rules fair and consistant.
Hi Camilla,
I agree about not letting disruptive students take control of the class. If this is allowed then it is going to be a very long course for everyone. By being direct and asking for their cooperation then a solid foundation of respect has been laid. It is then up to these types of students to either accept the requirements of the course or be dismissed.
Gary
I agree. Setting the rules on day one and nipping bad behavior in the bud are extremely important. These are adults and must be treated as such. I have removed students for disruption but I use that as a last resort. I politely remind them of the rules and then I ask them if they intend to do this on the workplace? Usually this gets their attention.
Harold,
I think it is important to nip disruptive behavior in the bud quickly. I find it is most helpful to let the class have the power of enforcement as well. This also applies to policies on late assignments and such. When someone asked for extensions on assignments, I let the rest of the class decide whether special consideration is valid.
Ultimately, fairness is the issue with all behavioral situations. Classmates have the right to expect that they have the chance to learn without disruptions.
I agree with the need to establish course rules and expectations in the first day of class. I spell out these expectations in the course addendum and if there are any questions/problems I can always refer students to that document. However, the addendum is not a comprehensive list of "dos and don'ts", rather I provide general information regarding the importance of fostering a constructive classroom environment. I then have students discuss what they feel a constructor classroom environment looks like. In this case, they set the tone, establish the expectations, and hold each other accountable.
In cases where I had to talk with a student I pulled them aside and discussed how the behavior is a distracter for other students. I then remind them of the original class discussion we had regarding expectations.
Hi Harold,
Great point about setting the stage for the course. By laying out the expectations and requirements of the course clearly then you can control the way the class flows. This then enables you to start the process of earning student respect and creating rapport.
Gary
Hi, I just wanted to let you know I also work with adult learners with a sprinkle of young adults in mix. At out school, which is a trade school they have an orientation day to give them the rules and dress code they should follow to be successful at our school. On the first two days of class we have different activities planned for the new students and this is where we go over the rules one more time, from hair cuts and length of hair to smoking, chewing, texting,cell phone use, and talking when the instructor is giving some information. Don't let disrespect get started, nip it in the bud quick. The rest of the class appricieates this.
Reguards, Harold
Hi Scott,
I have a very clear policy on behavior that I go over with the students on the first day. When they violate the class behavior policies I talk to them individually. I ask for their help in following the class policies. If they violate again I will address it in class. I have even removed a student from class if they persist in not following the class policies and disrupting the learning of others.
I have found that I gain the respect of other students for handling the situation and in most cases the students causing the problems come around and start developing the proper behaviors in class.
Gary
