Setting the tone
Great class management comes from day one. We have to set the tone for the class and the students will follow. Let them know what they are what you expect and let them know you will give them the best you have. All you ask in return is that they do the same.
jeffrey, nothing takes the place of setting the tone early. As I am sure you have heard, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. This is very true in classroom management. Set your ground rules on day one and also discuss with students what they expect to take place with the rules are broken. It is hard for students to argue with any level of punishment when they themselves discussed consequences during the first day of class.
James Jackson
When managing adult learners in the classroom, I believe setting the tone plays a huge role not only on day 1, but at the beginning of each class session. Many students like to know what to expect in class so they will be able to adjust and prepare for what's to come. With that being said, the adult learners will be highly engaged during class.
Agreed, it gives the students the what to expect of the course. If at any given time it changes outside whats expected you can always refer back to day 1.
Michael, well stated. The importance of setting the path towards success on day one cannot be over stated. I have found it easier to catch up on my lesson plans than to try to recapture a classroom that has lost control.
James Jackson
I agree.
Even though they are adult learners, they like a routine and consistency from day one. They need to know the rules and expectations to begin with. In some ways, they are just like a child and will perform better because of it!
I agree, I find that the students I teach truly appreciate the consistence, that have†fun†with other instructors, but say they know what to expect in my classroom and know always know what is expected of them. They know how much is required of them to succeed and know what the class will offer, making attendance important for success. In the end they will learn and retain if we are both consistent.
I agree. I have found that consistency is the best way to achieve a positive classroom. Students need to understand what is expected of them and they need to understand that the follow-through for negative behavior will be the same across-the-board and will be what they were told would happen.
If they are disciplined then they will be able to focus on their work.
