Classroom management
Identifying certain behaviors of students can
help you intervene quickly and directly to the
challenge presented to the instructor.
If you explain your goals and objectives in a
firm, clear and concise manner you may achieve
a level of acceptance from your class.
I have resently struggled with a class that was in a state of aggression twards each other within the group. The first week was smooth for me but not the class while on breaks and lunch due to the negative interaction. Threats, vulgarity as well as argumentative disruptions interfearing with other classes in the hallways. These are adult learners over the age of 18. During the second week the class had a lot of exciting activities that included guest speakers and table clinics.
I what I believe now made the mistake to ask if they would like the weekend instead of the last day of the week to take an exam. Only one student objected, so I allowed the weekend for further study. I did a very thourgh review. Test day arrives and most of the grades were terrible. It was a valid test due to a few making high 80's and the rest All below 60%. The students started a volitile uproar against me as their instructor. I have never had such discruntal students. We brought in another instructor who went over the same materials as well as went over the test again for a retake. The questions were reviewed almost word for word. The new test was taken and the students did somewhat better. The B's went to A's and the F's went to C's. Other students confided to me that most of the class did not study either time. I do not understand why these students have the right of entitlement for good grades with out even opening the book.? I have been doing research on classroom management and other areas to better myself in order to enhance the learning oppertunities for future students. I have been discusted and confused on why and how this has happened. The students stated I did not teach them and then when I had them start writting notes from the board they complained that they had to take to many notes. This in my eyes has been a no win situation when the student is always right scenerio. I am only wanting any good advise if any is available so this does not occur in the future.
I have had to correct behavior of adults on more than one occasion. I always find it odd to have to do that. You can have clear expectations and still have to deal with student behavior. This is an area that I struggle with as I am a strong personality in front of the classroom and I tend to be very direct with behavior correction. I do this for two reasons, others in the class can learn form the bad example and it is timely so I don't have to have some long discussion about it and just be able to move on and keep teaching.
Regards,
Scott
I agree with the statement. I have found that if students are included in designing management strategies, they tend to have a bigger by in. In addition, when you set the tone of teamwork and helpfulness to achieve goals, they seem to react positively to this as well.
