Several years ago I developed a Word document that I call Standard Operation Procedures. It covers every aspect of the class except for course content; that coms a little later. The document is displayed on the screen for all to see. It includes all of the professional expectations of the student and the instructor, including attendance, dress code, behavior and what the outcome is if these things are not followed. If there is ever a question of what was covered, I have the Word document as documentation that all of these things were covered during the first couple of hours of the class.
Classroom management or lack thereof can make or break an instructor, and ultimately impact the overall learning experience for students. Students need to feel comfortable enough in their learning environment to share their knowledge of the materials and their personal experience. At the same time, they also have to be respectful of their instructor and classmates. Poor classroom management makes students less apt to manage their studies, and less prepared to make it in the "real world." Good classroom management will impact the entire class in a positive way.
Hi Greg,
It is always best to start slow in the beginning to give students a solid foundation, then if you have to speed things up, it is not so devestating for the students. I give my students fair warning when the class is going to shift gears to a faster pace.
Patricia Scales
the class i teach 90% lab and it starts slow but when the students get the critical parts of it well move very fast that my class management i use to stay a head
I think class management is very critical part of the planning because if an instructor does not plan their classes- there will be hardly any learning. Confusion will set in and before you realize, things will go out of hand. I normally lay down the ground rules in first lecture and then make sure I follow them throughout the course with some flexibility. Normally, at the start of my class, I always go over the last lecture's key points and address any concerns or questions student's have. During the lecture, I monitor my students closely. If I see more students not paying attention, I set up a quick short group task.
Being prepared with class assignment and professional.
Being prepared with class assignment and professional.
Hi Frank,
Great attitributes to have as an instructor. We also need to make sure that we are knowledgeable, professional, fair, and caring.
Patricia Scales
Structure provides the opportunity for me to focus on content to be delivered, with subsequent measurement of what has been accomplished. The, I can relax!
Confidant, organized, personable, motivated, experienced, these are just some of the trates a good instructor should display from the first day. Humor always helps break the ice.
Effective class management sets the tone for the class by not only giving students a clear picture of what's expected of them, but also by an creating an environment conducive to learning. Class management includes providing clear leadership and direction and also respects an adult learners needs as individuals.
Class management is very important in the learning process. If you do not have classroom management no one is learning effectively due to the distractions. This is what defines an effective instructor. For example it is important to enforce that students raise their hands, or one person speaks at a time. If you can do this in a classroom then everyone learns.
Proper classroom management allows each student to feel understood, appreciated, secure and confident in knowing that I have his/her best interests in mind for his/her continued success in my class. Students will know that I will handle any situation that becomes too disruptive and will follow through with any disciplinary issues that might arise.
Hi Erwin,
Great approach! It sounds like you are doing a fine job in preparing your students for the real world.
Patricia Scales
My classes for the most part vary in student personalities but not class content. I like to be consistent in my approach with respect to the date, grading system and material that will be covered. Where my approach varies is how the class and the individuals in the class react to my questions and lessons. I like to be fun but real because I am a supervisor/manager in the field and I like them to know what I am thinking with respect to potential employees and current employees so that hopefully it can help them and their approach to a career in the the field I currently work in. How do you feel about my approach. Any suggestions?
Good class management lays out a road map for positive learning.
I believe if there is no class management then the educational planning will be harder to put together. The students will loose interest and you will loose any rapport you may have achieved with your students.
Management of class is not only critical for the instructor as well as the student. Most students as well as their instructor like organization and thing s to fall in to place. This keeps your class running like a fine tuned car and their should not be any break downs along the way. Everything runs smoothly for the instructor and the students and everyone is more relaxed and what needs to be accomplished can be. This also helps you recieve the respect you want and need from your students, because you have also gained their trust that you know what you are doing and are knowledgeable in your field.
Eric, I agree with you. Without classroom management it may be impossible for students to learn in a chaotic setting. Hence, we as instructors must ensure a healthy classroom balance.
Class management is a critical part of educational planning because if the class is not manageable how is any one learning, engaging, and interacting with mayhem? It is crucial for instructors to introduce a healthy balance of interaction between: instructor-to-student, instructor-to-group, peer-to-peer.
Also, during class management it is important to not suppress the students as individuals. Doing so may cause the students to practice introvert qualities, and in turn, the instructor may not be able to interact with his/her students. Classroom management is an important practice to ensure student success.
