Cynthia, great post and just remember that the Guide knows when to control and when to have an intelligent heart. Nothing wrong with students feeling comfortable around you they just cannot see you as an easy target to get something they want because they feel you are too nice to engage in confrontation. Be fair but firm and above all treat all your students equally. Equal treatment does not mean everyone gets to break the rules of one situation calls for a change in how you apply a rule. It does mean that you will review each students needs and determine if they qualify for the same break or consideration. Not all will but for those that do, treat them equally.
James Jackson
In the past I have started the class by creating small groups to work on a part of my lesson. The entire class has the same question, but each group works together to come up with their answers. I would like to do this 2-3 times in each 3 hour lecture, as it helps students bond and work in groups they may not have picked on their own. It also seems to help break up clicks and distractions during the lecture.
If I notice that students seem uninterested or distracted, I try to include them as best I can by calling on them or asking them for an example that relates to their job. I teach accounting and since every business uses accounting, it's easy to show them how a particular topic would be applied in their industry. Showing them how concepts in a textbook are applied in the real world makes the topic more interesting.
I have been teaching for 2 years out of 33 years of working -- I find common sense and enthusiasm for the subject I teach (and to go along with that being prepared and knowledgeable on the subject). My personality is to be not only the Buddy but the "mothering Buddy. I learned quickly this only confuses the students and opens the door for them to try and manipulate the relationship and classroom setting. I have moved towards the Guide style but find I still have to bring out the Controller to some extent . Establishing a rapport with the students, letting them know you are genuine and have life experiences to back up your knowledge goes a long way!
From behaviorism, problem behaviors are ignored so they are not reinforced. As an instructor, you cannot ignore the problem behavior. The instructor needs to address it as it happens. This is also helpful for the student. I have had many students who did not realize that they were doing something wrong. Since I did not address at the time it happened, it was harder for the students to learn from their mistakes. For me, this is an ongoing process that I am still working on.
I like what Manuel said about coaching the students on what they did wrong, etc. I'm finding more and more that coaching is a very successful way of modifying a student's behavior as it also maintains dignity for them and keeps a door of rapport open between us. There are occasions, however, when I need to start a discipline process (according to our school's policy)with an individual. My particular challenges recently have been with "pockets of talkers" in the classroom. When I recognize the voice and see the student who is loudest (though "loud" may be a very low toned conversation - however it's happening while I am teaching - repeatedly), I meet with that student. I've noticed that implementing the consequences with one student seems to help the whole group :)!
Mary, flexibility is good as long as it does not appear to show favoritism or prejudice in any way. Be fair but firm and treat everyone equally.
James Jackson
James, good teaching is much like telling a story. The more engaged your students the more they will retain and be able to use later.
James Jackson
Michelle, great technique. What prompted you to attempt this solution? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
Peggy, great post. It is also critical to set the class rules on the first day of class. This requires discussions and not just handing out a paper on the class policies. Keep up the great work.
James Jackson
Sandra, great post and good to see that even with a short duration course you are making time to set the guidelines for success. The more you can focus on establishing a set of control and confidence on the first day of any new group activity the better overall results you will experience.
James Jackson
Clifton, good to see the content of this class is relevant and brings positive results to your classroom. Thanks for sharing and please continue to add comments from time to time as to how you have been able to change behaviors of your students by changing your own. Great topic. : - )
James Jackson
Dixie, very well stated the the more you can appear to be "human" to your students the more you will earn their respect.
James Jackson
It is important for me to remain flexible and adapt my management style as needed to meet the needs of the diversity of students in my classroom. I have some students who come from some very difficult backgrounds.
To some degree, walk around the room when giving a lecture. Heads/eyes will follow you.
I have also made it a point to vary my tone. Adding heavy tone or soft tone depending upon the need.
Become more knowledgeble on the subjects. Continue to learn. Student respect this knowledge. Adults are here to learn. In many cases paying good money to attend classes.
Use a pause to emphasis a point. Pause (get their attention), then tell them.
James Naeher
I had a very unusual class of 4 students. They ranged in age from 19 to 65. The four of them all seriously disliked each other. It made it very difficult to get positive class participation. After trying several methods I finally assigned each of them the responsiblity of teaching one chapter as a project. It was amazing the transformation this had on the dynamics of the class. They showed more respect, listened to each other better and stopped being negative about each others comments.
Every day I assign a sous chef, food steward, and sanitation steward to help make manage the classroom and make sure people are working collectively to get the job done. Each day these positions change to a different person so they learn to work together, respect each other and the classroom environment.
When I am lecturing on a subject and students are talking I usually stop and wait this gets their attention and usually will stop the disruption. Also, not going back to discuss what was done prior to the student entering class late - if they want the information they can ask another student or see me after class, other students should not be inconvenience because someone cannot be on time.
Because we work on 5 week mods it is difficult sometimes to get to know the student accomplishing this would help with classroom behavior issues - that is something I need to improve on.
I have only been teaching a few years and one of the first things I learnt was to go over the rules right at the beginning of the first class, in fact I make sure I am very clear about the school policies and expectations of the students and their conduct. Also I have learnt that it is better when they know the exact consequences of not following the rules and what punishment if any they can expect.
I think the other important thing I have realized is not to be too rigid in my teaching style , I adjust to the class I have at the time. I find some classes I have are better behaved, more motivated etc and therefore I do not have to act like the controller so much. I then may get a class that seems to require more control and enforcement of the rules, otherwise they seem to get out of hand quickly. Also I now make sure I have a back up plan for when things do not run as smoothly as they should or we finish early, I always have an alternative project which engages the students and is like a bonus for them.
Alcide, setting expectations on day one is a proven method of achieving maximum results. Keep up the great work.
James Jackson
