Carlos, well stated. Students know when an instructor is there just for a paycheck versus caring about their subject matter and their students. True educators will always teach regardless of their financial status. We educate because if fills a funnel we need always have satisfied for us to be happy. Those that teach for the wrong reasons do not last long and worse they send a bad message to others and to students. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work, we need more like you in our industry.
James Jackson
Jennifer, great points all! I specifically agree with the issue on being enthusiastic. The instructor sets the stage and the mood for a classroom. Bring high energy or your "A" game everyday and you will be rewarded. Students will vary in their level of energy and a lack of energy from students cannot distract from the energy of the instructor. Lead by example and always be ready to infuse your energy into your students.
James Jackson
I agree on this. It also imparts onto the student the professional behavior that is wanted by all Employers when they go out to work in their field of study.
I believethat in order to achieve good class room management an instructor should be enthusiastic, respectful, patient, caring, organized,humble and knowledgeable. By loving what you do motivates others combined with treating people as you would want to be treated so they can learn as much as possible in a positive setting.
I think the guide by your side and sandwich assesment works well for me, i still set the rules and accomodate as needed and stay with in the professional mode.
I agree. A guide can be in control and manage a classroom well meanwhile still be quote on quote "friendly" with the students. The guide truly is the best way to manage the classroom, in my opinion.
In my experience and professional opinion, there are two traits which are countervailing, yet complimentary. These are the ability to build a genuine rapport with the students while still being able to control the both the immediate and extended classroom environment. These two qualities go hand-in-hand and any loss of balance betweeen them, can have a negative impact on the student's learning experience.
I think that 85% of being a successful instructor depends on your teaching philosophy. If your philosophy is to make a difference, and you genuinely care if students learn, then you will be well prepared, knowledgeable about your subject, and communicate your expectations to your students on the first day of class, to set the tone for the rest of the term. You still have to let the students know that you care about their learning and their well-being, however without trying to be their "buddy."
Some students will still attempt to break class and school rules, however, you can and should immediately bring this to the students' attention, because if you do not, then they think that the rules don't really apply to them. You can do thsi without offending the student.
If students take offense to me asking them not to break the rules, I will sometimes remind them that the rules are stated in the syllabus, and that they were addressed the first day of class.
I'm very fortunate to have very experienced teachers that I work with. I am learning to develop my own style as I learn from them and see how to deal with disruptive behavior and become a guide instructor. The most important trait is to show an interest and respect for your students even when they behave badly.
I believe there are a variety of traits/characteristics that will lead to good classroom management. A few that I consider among the most important are:
Enthusiasm: As the instructor, if I enter my course appearing disinterested and simply going through the motions, the students will recognize this, and model my behavior. Instead, I need to demonstrate enthusiasm for the course, the concepts and the real world application that I feel students can gain from the course materials. I believe learning should be fun and I try to incorporate fun visuals, resources and articles that pertain to the subject matter.
Rapport/Engagement: I linked these two traits together since I see them as related. As an online instructor this can sometimes be a challenge. But virtual/online education does mean that I have the "ok" to remain distant from my students. Rather, as the instructor I should remain engaged at all times. This includes actively participating in the discussion board activities, stopping in to check on the discussions among small group participants, reaching out to students who are doing well (to say “great jobâ€), and those who are struggling (offering more personal assistance). When the students see I am actively engaged in the course, they tend to model this behavior and I find they are more fully engaged. This facilitates learning.
Flexibility/Adaptability: This is another trait I feel is so important. One day to the next, one session to the next, student needs change. As the instructor, I cannot be so rigid in my approach that I am not willing to adapt to the learning styles of each student. This means being open to new technology, staying current on adult learning strategies, and being willing to adapt my course materials and instructional style as needed to ensure student learning.
As stated above, there are a variety of traits/characteristics that I feel are beneficial for effective classroom management. This course has been a great reminder of the styles of instructors, and the impact on classroom management when certain behaviors are exhibited. I learned quite a bit about discipline that I find I can now apply even in my online classroom. Great course!
My opinion is based on my experience as an instructor and from learning from past mistakes and successes. Instructor traits and characteristics which I feel are important for good classroom management are the following: Being well prepared, anticipating student questions and paths of interest, allowing time for questions with enough time to accurately answer the questions, Map out each class period, make every class interesting/different but follow a predictable path for students to recognize and appreciate. Characteristics: Professional, good role model, approachable, honest, fair, respectful, openminded, and to know yourself. These are just some of the traits and characteristis I find help to contribute to good classroom management.
Angela, all good points. For me the focus has always been the end result of students being ready to take on the real-world, lifelong learning, and taking ownership for their future education. Easier to say than to do but these are the factors that drive my intentions and energy.
James Jackson
Thomas, student engagement is the key. With so many distractions today, we as instructors need to forge ahead and always be mindful of how our students perceive our classroom, our materials and their learning outcomes. The more we can engage our students through conversation, action learning, and constant feedback the better we will achieve the desired learning outcomes.
James Jackson
Nicole, the scariest person I know is an instructor that feels they have it all figured out and knows how to handle every situation. The best teachers I know are always looking to gain a better understanding of their own skills and always willing to experiment from time to time in order to find what works and what does not. Keep what works and through out the rest but always be willing to learn and try new things.
James Jackson
Ali, as a guide you can be all things at the appropriate times. Do not think of a guide as someone who is not in control or is not friendly with students. The guide just knows the appropriate times when to switch between these different types for the benefit of the student and their learning outcomes.
James Jackson
Mary, well stated and according to Dr. Joe Pace from The Pacific Institute this is called having an Intelligent Heart. As instructors we care about our students and want to have meaningful and provessional relationships with them. But also as a leader we need to lead by example and make sure students follow the rules as they will be expected to do in a real job.
James Jackson
I strongly believe that as an instructor and keeping in mind especially with adult learners, sometimes we are not just an instructor but also in some ways a guidance counselor, I feel we need to have compassion and understanding however at the same time we cannot be so personally invested in each of the students personal lives that it becomes a hindrance to our day to day class or to make any of our other students feel left out or unappreciated, I have worked with instructors like this before and I could even feel the tension in the class between different groups of students. We need to be approachable to all students and be willing and able to answer questions and if unable to answer the question be willing to research or get the student in touch with the right individual. I also believe we must be willing to bend to accommodate all learning styles without compromising the integrity of the lesson. We need to set expectations from the start of what we want from our students , I do this by sitting eye to eye with all new students laying out the expectations, give them a background on myself and why I believe I am qualified to be their instructor and then ask them what their expectations are of me. I believe this sets the stage to the student that they are involved in the process of their education and learning and I am taking into consideration their expectations as well since this has to be a two way street , I can only help educate when both parties know what is expected.
I believe subject knowledge and the abilty to deliver material in a way that keeps the students engaged is a very important trait.
I find that the guide instructor has the most qualifying traits as a good instructor. After teaching for over 20 years in the same field, one can slip toward becoming apathetic. Also, students can try to sway you to become the buddy instructor. I strive to maintain being the guide instructor and always make certain my evaluations are proof of it!
I believe a successful instructor has to be willing to honestly assess themselves and their style of teaching. It is easy for an instructor to assume that they have the "best" qualitites a teacher can have and feel that it is the "others" who need to improve. I believe one must be honest in their evaluation of his or herself and be willing and open to accept positive changes to better themselves as an instructor.
