The balancing act of proper classroom management is problably the hardest thing for a new intructor to get a handle on, and the hardest thing for a long-term teacher to master. The biggest thing I see that is true of all of these recommendations is for the teacher and class to determine the classrooms rules and regulations, then the teacher must address, in the appropriate manner, and infractions on the rule. IE. a good example is how do you feel when someone passes you driving 70 mph in a 55 zone?
Michelle, you make a great point and the best advice is to discuss these situations with your administration and fellow instructors. Be the agent of change and focus on what you can do to be part of the solution as opposed to being a continual part of a problem. This is similar to the discussion we as students at times, if someone else ran off a cliff would you follow? Of course we know in advance how we expect students to answer and this is the same for following the rules of an orderly classroom. You follow the rules because you respect your students and yourself, not because it is what others do or fail to do. Be that agent of change and bring the discussions forward within your professional group.
James Jackson
This course provided me with a wealth of information which I will be incorporating immediately. I found that I am a "controller." While my intentions are always well, I've now realized that this style is ineffective. From the course, I learned that school-wide discipline must be a team effort that includes instructors, administrators and staff members. How can this be enforced when everyone is not on the same page (from dress code, tardiness to rude and disrespectful students)? How can this be accomplished when the rules are constantly being compromised and broken?
Carl, every student is different yet all students need some basic things from us as instructors. If we can be the gold standard for them to model against then the discipline and classroom management will be less of a distraction and just become a norm that is just expected. It is all about attitude, professionalism and no matter how you cut it, hard work.
James Jackson
This module shines a light on what students need as a good role model within the classroom. The modules show what teaching style you have based on the characteristics and what style is effective for the students and your organization. This module is a eye opener and great way to learn some alternative ways to address students in different situations.
Michele, great point. For those schools that are more focused on turning a profit versus producing learning outcomes and turning out professional students the times are becoming more and more difficult. Education is a privilege and not a right. Everyone has the right to an outstanding education but it is a privilege to attend school. There are no easy answers here as you do not control how your administration handles student enrollment. Your focus should be to always remain positive, professional and focus on helping your students understand WHY they should take accountability for their education. The data is very clear if you want to share with them. The further you achieve academic excellence the more money you will make in your lifetime. This is not 100% but if by far is the norm.
James Jackson
Chad, whenever possible the rules of one classroom should be followed in all classrooms where the same students are going to interact. There is always room for individualism of an instructor but having a set of rules followed by all is the best way to see those rules followed by the student body. This can be easier said than done but if the faculty are willing to discuss as a group and have each others back, the overall impact on the classroom management can be dramatic and will benefit all faculty and students.
James Jackson
Laszlo, I tend to favor your side of this discussion. I am totally understanding that students have very complex lives and commend them for their hard work to do what they can to attend physical classes. I always inform my students that it is not a reflection of their situation but a matter of professionalism and focus on ensuring all the materials of the lesson plan are covered. I start on time and end on time but also offer office hours that can be used to get caught up and always provide outlines of the materials covered. I have also provided extra credit for students who would offer up their classroom notes which really inspired a lot of students to take great notes. I would use a process of equal opportunity for those offering their notes for extra credit so everyone in the classroom looking to gain the extra credit had an opportunity.
James Jackson
I agree, every student should understand the rules for the school they are attending. If they need some help, ie a belt, a id, etc these items should be available for purchase at the local school store, this allows mistakes to be corrected but also shows there are no freebies. the rules are in place for everyone and everyone should be help accountable to them.
Modeling the correct behavior is always the first step. Students have to see their instructors leading the way in regards to any policy, especially uniform policies. I make uniform inspection part of every day by checking student uniforms as they enter the classroom. I also use this time to formally greet them at the door which reinforces the mindset of a structured routine.
One thing that can help instructors in applying the uniform policy to thier classroom is the availability of solutions for students in violation. If razors, hats and neckercheifs are available at the student bookstore, students have a place to go to solve their problem. When no "backup" is available, the instructor must choose between turning away a student or allowing them to attend in violation of policy. When it's seen that policies are loosely applied then things will only get worse.
the school discipline is made aware from the time tjhe student aemnbters the college the students asare made aware at the time of admission about the rules and regulation and expected standard of conduct. the students are made to realise the essence of professional conduct by the instructors and senior students serving as role models.
I have noticed that in career schools, students tend to have the attitude of entitlement. They are clear to voice they want things their way or they will pursue other options. Sadly, I have seen administration fold to this pressure in some circumstances. I would like to see students be held more accountable for their actions.
I think policies should be reviewed at faculty meetings, especially if administration notices any lack of consistency. As an adjunct, it is not easy for me to be aware of policies, which were only given in print form when I was first hired and a yearly review would be beneficial.
I couldn't help but notice that in one section, it was mentioned that the priority for the student must be school. This statement is not based in reality.
In a real life scenario, outside of the wishes of the academics and beurocratic desires, school is important, but other matters will be prioritized before school. For instance, not enough money for gas to get to school, bus schedules that do not account for late evening classes or the time between work and school, picking up and managing children. It's easy to dictate that school be "the" priority and this very easily applies to non adult students, but when we are discussing adult students, the situation is different and the education aspect of the real life scenario will be the second priority behind income, childcare, etc.
To think or state otherwise is not grounded.
Students arriving late for classes and missing
classes is a constant problem. Many students work on full time jobs, take care of children
and/or commute a long way to school, so the school is generally forgiving.
Still, I believe there needs to be consequences for tardiness and absences, (which ought to be enforced consistently by all instructors), otherwise students may not try very hard to do better.
Jerry, very well stated. When done appropriately and with purpose, giving students some authority or even perceived authority can go a long way towards gaining their trust and their attentions.
Regards,
James Jackson
A couple of suggestions I have for improving school discipline would first involve getting the students involved in the rule-making process. After discussing your rules and expectations, why not have the students offer their input as well, with the goal being to create the most respectful atmoshpere for learning.
Also, instructors should exercise democracy so that the students feel that there is a proper platform for their concerns, opinions, and problems. Democracy should not, however be allowed to overshadow those students who may find themselves in the minority.
Larry, you bring forward a very interesting topic. My first suggestion is to always check with your direct supervisor and/or your human resources specialist as they will know best how to handle any of the suggestions I provide here. My suggestions are my personal opinions and should be be viewed as official policies or guidelines within Higher Education.
I have had to handle similar situations and in my experience I have just shared with my students my opinions. The school may allow something but if you want to get a job within a specific industry, take a look around and see how many are following your lead. In the culinary industry, personal hygiene and appearance is a key factor in getting hired. Even though an employer cannot discriminate directly against studs or other body expressions such as tattoos or other outstanding cosmetic statements, they can simply select another candidate and show they were more qualified. It is a very OBJECTIVE world and perception is reality. I have challenged my students by asking them to take on a 30 day project. As they conduct the regular part of their lives, try to visit places similar to those locations they could see being employed someday. What is the dress code of those already working the same types of jobs the student wants to work? How many have outstanding cosmetic statements that are visible to the public eye?
You can even bring in guest speakers that are potential employers of your students and have them comment on the general trends of such situations.
I hope this provides you with some ideas of your own. Happy to discuss this further if you are interested.
Regards,
James Jackson
In our case School Discipline has been affected by Corp. edicts
example corp. change the police on earing in the kitchen classes i.e. allowing
studs, this has cause a huge problem with student waring all mender of earing
and plugs and now nose ring are showing up eyebrow etc. all pushing the
envelope -- how do you deal with Corp edicts that did not take feed back
from the front line employees before make such changes?
Well stated Timothy. Can you share a time where you were challenged by a school discipline issue and how you then managed the situation? Any followup information as to the final result of your actions would be most interesting as well.
For anyone reading this post, please add your own experiences to this topic.
Regards,
James Jackson
