Students need to feel valued
Remember that students need to feel valued and welcomed. They need to know that you have an honest interest in each one of them, not only as a class, but also as individuals.
• Be consistent; establish the rules and stick to them.
• Consequences should be fair and consistently applied.
• Be prepared for the students who will test the rules.
• Do not threaten students with a consequence unless you are ready to carry it out. Students will view you as inconsistent if you fail to do what you say.
• Do not be judgmental; look at each situation from all angles before you designate a consequence.
• Never put off discipline. Handle any behavioral problem when it occurs.
• Make sure students understand the rules and the consequences. Students need to know how to behave in any given situation. With some students, you may want to do role-playing at the beginning of each course. In this way, students will see what is expected of them and see the consequences being applied.
• Show a true interest in all of the students. Each one needs to be treated as an individual and with respect, not just another student. When giving praise to any student, use his or her name with the praise. Nothing pleases students more than to hear their names used in a good light.
• Implement well-planned lessons. Know what you are going to teach and be well prepared.
Hi Kimberly,
Very personable approach, this is a good way to lead into the school week. I am sure your students feel like they matter to you. We must let our students know that we geniunely care about them.
Patricia
I too agree with you. On mondays I like to start off the first 5-10 minutes and ask them how there weekend was and just get a fill for how the week will go. I like to make all students feel welcomed and important.
Hi Tammy,
Great ways to make your students feel that they really matter. Students love to know that you have an open door policy, and they can come to you for whatever reason.
Patricia
This is so true.
I treat my students as adults. I try to get to know them by way of dicussion or class activity. I offer help when they ask as well as when I feel they may need it. I also have an office open door policy. I demand equal treatment among the students. Even if just one student wants to learn, the whole class has to respect that student and be quite so they can learn.
Hi Kimberly,
What an impressive list! You really seem to have it all together. I like your perspective when it comes to making students feel valued. Each student matters, and we as instructors should definitely show students just how important they are by doing the things you mentioned.
Patricia
