Classroom Management
When you have roles other than as an instructor, you classroom "time" management seems to suffer, as in my case. I often get pulled from my own classe to deal with program issue as that is my main role. My course evaluations often reflect this as I get pulled in many different directions.
I know that to eliminate this problem is to not teach any classes but that is one of my enjoyments that I do not wish to give up.
How can I better manage my class? How can I not get pulled away or run late due to a program issue?
Other ways to avoid being pulled out of class include scheduling group activities, arranging for exam proctors, and guest lecturers. Before you know it you will have time planned for in each class to handle the unexpected call outs.
I hear you having a time management problem. One way to deal with it would be to tell whomever is requesting program help to schedule time with you instead of just popping in to talk. Tell them you have a commitment and intend to fulfill it, and will get to them when you aren't committed.
Also, you could ask them for short break, and then go to your class and start them on something useful and return. I understand that may be difficult, however.
As a new instructor, this may be easier for me to say than it would be to do in your shoes. My problem is that there is no chair of my department, so I report to the Dean who isn't as familiar with instructor issues, nor very available.
Hi Laurie,
I hear you loud and clear! I am the academic coordinator at my institution and I have the same situation going on. I would give up the administrative part of my job before giving up teaching. I absolutely LOVE teaching. I let my students know on Day 1 what my role as the academic coordinator is and that from time to time I will be late or pulled out of class to deal with certain issues. I make it known to them that they will get everything that they are suppose to from the course even though they will be a few interruptions. My evaluations have never reflected me being late or having to leave to deal with issues.
Patricia
