Classroom managment is key to instruction in this field. if you cannot manage your classroom well then there cannot really be the best degree of teaching or learning going on.
Hi Diana,
It is the instructor's job to control the classroom. Establish and enforce rules. Students mut have an environment that is conducive to learning.
Patricia
Hi Scott,
Absolutely! Students need and want structure! Students look to the instructor to ensure the enviornment is conducive for learning.
Patricia
Class management is crucial, not only for the success of your students but for your own sanity. Even adult learners seek structure. The "hardest" of your students are subliminally seeking guidance, rules, structure and a firm foundation. Even if they say to your face, " I dont need anyone ". They are truly seeking your mentorship.
Classroom management helps to set the stage as well as ensure that the instructor is prepared to proffer proper instruction. When these steps are done, the students will likely view the instructor's preparation, credentials and experience as something more substantive than if the steps are not accomplished. The issue revolves around surroundings and foundation. If a proper foundation is not built and proper surroundings (environment) are not present, learning is hindered. Instructors must put their preparation, lesson plans and material through a realistic self-inspection (and possibly utilize other instructors for feedback) prior to class to honestly evaluate their own credibility and validity in the colloquium so they are ready to manage the classroom and instruct students in a fashion that is amenable and relevant to students.
Though it might not seem that critical at "first blush", teaching and learning can't take place in a chaotic environment where students can't attend and/or feel safe. I believe it is worth one's time to establish the culture of the class and clarify expectations first, even if it seems like this practice is taking too much time away from teaching content. In the end, I think this prep pays off. You actually can accomplish more.
Hi Jessica,
Students want and expect the instructor to manage the class effectively so that learning can take place.
Patricia
Class management is a critical part of educationl planning because it provides a positive learning environment for adult learners to excell. The better the class is managed, the better participation and the more valuable information is taught.
Classroom management is critical because without it, as a teacher, you risk losing control. Having good management skills is vital in order to teach effectively. A teacher with poor management skills will actually spend more time correcting disruptive students. This disruption is not conducive to learning. It allows the students to set the boundaries, not the teacher.
Hi Maria,
Absolutely! The students must know up front who is in control. The classroom has to be an environment that is conducive to learning.
Patricia
For the students who really are committed to learning in class, it is distressing when the class environment is chaotic. It decreases their ability to hear and see the material being covered. It becomes more difficult to stay focused on the material in the midst of interruptions and distractions. Eventually, they may complain that they are not getting full value out of the economic commitment they made to taking the class.
Hi Karin,
It is good to establish ground rules the very first day. Students need to know at the very beginning what is expected of them.
Patricia
Being organized, effective time management, planning lessons far ahead, and establishing a respectful rapport with the students class management, for the most part,with the exception of the unexpected occurance, takes care of itself because the expectations are known from the first day.
Class management very important, the environment in the classroom is a big part learning process. If no objectives every night, students dont look forward what to expect. The instructor must run the show and not the students. Be prepared
Lack class management by the instructor is a chaos. Have your objectives on the board for that day and be sure that time is well divided so they know what to expect in the class.
Class management is extremely important for student success because the facilitator has to "lead" the class in the learning expected. If the teacher doesn't demonstrate the requisite class management skills necessary, then some students will see this as an opportunity to take over the class. It is necessary for the facilitator to ensure that class starts on time and ends on time. It is important for the teacher to have a set of "ground rules" that are to be followed by the class.
Thanks!
John
Leading by example is a great point. It is very important for us as facilitators to be prompt at grading all assignments for many reasons. For one, students want to see how they did. For another, students need to see what they didn't do as well in to learn for the next assignment(s). Imagine if we took three weeks to grade an assignment and then returned an "F" to a student that has subsequently turned in two additional assignments with the same mistakes because (in part anyway) because of the facilitator's slow grading.
John
Hi Maria,
This is true, and I like how you require respect from both ends. Managing is a two way street.
Patricia
Class management is really important. From the beginning of the class i tell them i am the boss and they are my employee and there will be respect to both boss and employees.
Hi Lisa,
What a response! The students do not control the classroom, the instructor does. Students need to have an environment that is conducive to learning.
Patricia
