Dan, great post and thanks for seeing the goal of the class. The value of being a Guide is not just a focus area, it is the result of years of analysis and observation in many different settings. The guide process is the one that tends to provide the best overall management style and fosters the best consistency in outcomes. This does not imply that an overnight change is required to achieve your goals as an instructor but the pursuit of focusing on the goals of the Guide will tend to take you in the best possible direction of enhanced outcomes.
James Jackson
I feel respect will earn respect therefore behavior issues usually cease to exist and you attain their full attention, I've also noticed students tend to stay engaged using the traits outlined in this course specifically the guide/buddy system.
Setting expectations from the beginning is real key in my opinions so the students know what the instructors expects from them. Consistency is important as well. I believe as an instructor you should always start and end class on time. If we expect the students to come to class on time prepared, then as the instructor we need to as well.
I have found that everything discussed in this course is spot on! The combination of the Controller and Buddy forming into the Guide is 100% accurate.
Being well organized, enthusiastic, on-time(!) upbeat, friendly, consistent and strict with rules, willing to have open discussions on topic, often breaking up activities, being thorough, being interactive, being mobile, being professional, and being adaptable are all very, very good traits to have in order to be successful at all classroom management.
I find that consistency and fairness are important to successfully managing the classroom. Also, effectively communicating the expectations up front and adhering those expectations. Students tend to monitor each other and are adept at coming up with excuses if they think that approach will work.
Honesty and integrity are gained when an instructor can share real life experiences that involve both successes and failures.
Phil, well stated. Treating ALL students equally is critical. If all students feel they are being treated as equals this tends to remove a lot of other issues away from the classroom management equation.
James Jackson
I like to keep the focus on the student. I have found open door policy helps me with this focus. I can help those students who need the extra attention on the side so it does not interfere with another student who is not as needy.
Recognition for positives goes a long way even if it is a minor success. This keeps the motivation going in the right direction.
Establish the classroom behaviors with the help of the students on the first day allows for group cooperation and buy in. Publish those guides so they are always visible.
Highly motivated, enthusiastic, well versed in the subject. The instructor should be flexible , non-threatening when correcting poor behavior and always use the "I" language .
I think you should set the standard and I tell them if you go the extra mile you find you are never behind .This is what the instructor should always be modeling and the students will pick up on this trend.I also am a happy person and try to smile at everyone no matter how tough it is that day because I believe the students know how you are feeling. Patience is always important and they are tried everyday and some times it is not only students but faculty can also test them.
An effective classroom management plan is essential which includes HOW everything will be accomplished. You may even want to have students practice things like getting into small groups.There should be work for students to do while attendance is taken, the classroom period should be over planned so that there is not any "down" time. Students should be instructed in how to ask a question. The teacher should arrive on time or early and have any equipment and supplies set up.There should be a routine for dismissing class, procedures for dismissal, entering.
Consistency is one trait that I find can keep an instructor out of trouble when it comes to classroom management. I think a part of consistency is leading by example. If you are telling students that eating and drinking in the classroom is not allowed, than you should abstain from the same behavior. As Jamil pointed out, patience is another good trait to bring to the classroom.
I believe modeling the behavior we expect from our students is an essential trait for good classroom management. Giving each student respect, being early for class, being prepared for the lesson, forgiving mistakes and letting them know that we are all human, in my opinion, goes a long way.
In my opinion, patience’s, good voice inflection, passion for the lesson being taught, and previous experience in that field of study all are important for good classroom management. Learning more knowledge about the four basic classroom management techniques actually has assisted in me altering my approach when in the adult classroom. Simply implementing the use of “I†instead of “You†when addressing students who are disruptive should be the quickest fix of all, and should get my point across more effectively. Being polite and encouraging are other skills that will also make for good classroom management.
Ronald, a good sense of humor is critical. It is also critical to know how far to take humor and what topics are considered off limits for different situations or groups of students. Timing and tact go a long way with the humor technique.
James Jackson
