Being able to see multiple things happening at one time in the classroom is important. One must constantly scan the room and know what is going on and who is confused and needs help. Also, energy and enthusiasm from the instructor is contagous. If the instructor loves the subject and has fun in class, the students usually do too.
I think there are a variety of traits that are necessary for good classroom management. It is important that instructors are patient, in the control of the classroom and providing high levels of education. I think it is also important to remember that all of our students are human. Just as we have personal lives and problems, so do they. That being said, another important characteristic of an instructor is emapathy.
Stephen, great point about feeling comfortable asking questions. I come across instructors that feel the real value of the student going to school is their lectures they provide. Sorry to say but this is total nonsense. The value we provide as instructors is our knowledge of the subject and our ability to get students to engage and carry on meaningful conversations about the subject matter and how it relates to the work they will do on the job. Great post and important topic.
James Jackson
Michelle, great post. It is also important for students to remember they are following the same path as the vast majority of anyone within their profession so the path can be navigated successfully and has been several times before. This alone does not give students comfort but can be a valuable piece to include in other confidence building activities.
James Jackson
Being able to point out positive things about the students' work and not just negative. Making the negative things seem like they are easy to fix and the students will succeed. Fostering a sense that the subject matter is within the class' ability to learn, that they can be successful with reasonable effort.
Lionel, great use of silence and impacting attached verbalization as to remind them how important listening is as a skill. It is also critical we as instructors understand the changes in our student body and more active lesson plans are taking the place of lecture. If you find yourself dealing with students that interrupt your lectures it may be time to flip the responsibility and focus on our lesson plans as another alternative.
James Jackson
To start with, you must have a good command of the subject being taught. The student should feel confident in your abilities. Next would be approachability. Students should feel comfortable with you to ask questions or provide feedback. This should not be construed as being there buddy. There needs to be a distinction in the student/instructor relationship. Another characteristic should be organization. There needs to be a plan that will address the need for timely activities to ensure student success. While there can be small amounts of flexibility, this should be acceptable only if situations arise that no one has control over. Last is communication. You should always inform students of there progress almost on a daily basis. There should be no surprises. The student will respond positively to this approach.
I will usually remain silent as they are realizing that it is time to listen and not speak.
I also remind them that this is why we have two ears and only one mouth because it is harder to listen than actually speak.
Usually they realize pretty fast.
The traits I find most beneficial in a good instructor are ones that are contagious to the entire class. They are:
1- Enthusiasm for the subject
2- A desire to see students succeed
3- Classroom discipline and expectations that have been made clear from day one.
I love the subject I teach and I think that enthusiasm I have is contagious. Students are more active in group discussions and have more desire to take part in the activities of that day.
The desire I have for my students to succeed is paramount. When they see that I care about their future and their ability to perform at the highest standard possible it gives them the desire to do exactly that. They know I am always there to guide them so their journey is not alone.
I have my disciplinary expectations written out so there are no grey areas. Of course there are special circumstances that arise and when they do I take them into consideration but on the whole everyone is on the same page. When a rule is broken I take the action I have already made clear would happen. The class appreciates this and expects me to follow up in the manner in which I have already noted.
Also to convey the material find something that all the students are interested in such as music or fashion or sports and teach the topic with that interest in mind-show the students that they already have prior knowledge by giving examples.
When students are talking when I am teaching; I go about the stopping in a humorous way-I also ask if they are talking about the topic to please share it with the class.
More than one trait in management style and behavior; I believe in a variety-I believe in active engagement of the student I believe in the ongoing communication of the student and the instructor.
Jacqueline, Well stated. For students to be engaged it is critical that we as instructors be interesting but even more importantly is we show we are interested in our students.
James Jackson
In my opinion instructors should be attentive to their students by understanding who they are. I try to gauge their responsiveness to my lectures and alter them as needed if I see I have a particularly shy group or quite the opposite. I believe they are an audience and a good speaker takes a cue from the non-verbals and speaks accordingly. I also believe that an instructor should be structured but flexible enough to show the students that they are also understanding and approachable.
I would have to agree this is a great way to proceed. Excellent post. Thank you
I practiced a lot of what I read in this ED113 course already, but I learned a few really interesting new strategies as well. Like: Be able to see all my students, because sometimes I don't. Or give the students limited time. Really like the note thing too. The most important thing I will change is ignoring improper behavior. It was never completely out of order, but it never went away also.
I agree with the "guide" type of instructor as the type being most successful. I started out as a controller, then I became the "buddy" and now feel I have a better understanding of what I can accomplish by pulling these two together to be better at my job.
I found the imformation very useful as well as informative.
Mark , well stated. Students can easily identify instructors that enjoy teaching and their subject matter versus those that are just teaching to earn a paycheck. If any instructor finds the day to day as a grind or drudgery they need to find a new profession. Each day is special and we need to rejoice in the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students.
James Jackson
Jo, well stated and I cannot agree more concerning the importance of day 1 of any new class. We only have one chance to make a good first impression and making the wrong impression can take the entire classroom term to overcome.
James Jackson
I certainly agree with your opinion that an instructor should be respectful, tactful and professional. Students can "read" this of their instructors and appreciate it.
