Respect and Demand
Setting the tone when students first approach the classroom is very important to a successful class. If they feel respected, understand the course requirements, and understand the pace of the class everything typically goes smoothly. On the other hand if you have a bad day on the first day of class, then the outcome is fairly poor. For an example if a policy has recently changed from the student's last class it causes an opportunity for animosity. Some students revert back to a high school complaining mentality and it's nearly impossible redirect those students.
Cynthia,
I agree it is tough at times. This is when I have to step back and realize that I have a number of motivation and self disciplined students in the class and that I get to enjoy them and their enthusiasm for learning. This way I don't let the negative students pull me down. I work with them like all the other students and let their success or failure be upon their shoulders as it should be, rather than letting them shift it to me.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with both of you. It's hard, but can be done. There are some students who will just always be negative, and the trick is to not let those students bring the whole class down. This has been a challenge for me recently.
Alison,
Right you are about being able to reestablish a positive relationship with students even though the first class did not go as well as expected. The key is to take what happened and use it as a way to learn how to have a dynamic opening class session the next time you teach the course as well as make the current course a good one from that day forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that it is more difficult to earn respect from students if the first class goes poorly, but that it is not impossible. I feel that showing that you are listening to students' complaints and feedback goes a long way and shows that you respect their feedback.
