taking over for another instructor 3/4 through class
students very upset over new instructor taking over, very disliking of teaching any way different from other instructor, any suggestions.
This is very true. I had to take over classes for 2 weeks when a previous instructor had moved on outside the company. I was a new instructor and you could cut the tension with a knife in the classroom. Every time I talked the students would lash back with "this isn't how so and so did it". It was very trying at times. After the term was over, I had the class again, but on my terms. I was able to rebuild their trust and assure them that I was there to help them learn and be successful. Trust and respect the key relationships in the classroom with students.
Stepping into "someone elses shoes" is tough I am a TA for a instructor for such a situation, the class itself was very angry and after weeks of tension we finally had a "family meeting" we discussed our stand point of coming into a class and what our ecpectations where and they discussed thier feelings of having to learn a whole new teaching style and again we explained that every teacher has the own style and to pull their knowledge and build their "tool box" from several different resources. They felt better after the meeting and we felt like we didnt have to compete with our co-worker
This is one of the better approaches, going about the transittion this way eleminates any questions that may arise as to why the change in instructors.
I let the class know what my expectations are and I explain to them the previous instuctor has there way of teachiong and mine but be a little differant. Explain no one way is wrong, every one has there own style of teaching.
Hi John,
Do you all team teach where both instructors are in the classroom at the same time serving as the students instructors or do you do 1/2 of the grading period and the other instructor does the othe 1/2 of the grading period? What are you thoughts about an instructor TAKING over 3/4 through the class/course?
Patricia
Where I am myself and another instructor share duties with one class. Fortunately we have about the same ideas on how it should be taught, what speed and such so there is little conflict.
That can be a challenging situation taking over a class. I had a situation where a new instructor didn't do anything for four weeks so I had to catch up with four weeks of grading. I think trying to be flexible with students and listening to them can be helpful.
Hi Jesse,
Great points! It is also good to let them know your qualifications/credentials.
Patricia
I let the students know that me and the other instructor are part of a team and that we work very well together. This usually eliminates creating a rivalry. I will follow the primary instructors syllabus but let them know what my particular expectations are. Let them know that you are also there to help them and not just a substitute instructor.
