I think the combination of the "buddy" and the "controller" was apt. I think the smile, warm character, and interest in the individual students (and their success) is key. At the same time, the organization, skills, preparation, and understanding of the subject matter that the controller presents daily are also crucial. I believe that the "guide" fluctuates bewteen these two personas at different times of the class period depending on what activities are taking place.
In my opinion a good instructor listens and can recognize the needs of the students they are teaching. Is compassionate and caring while being constitant with adhering to classroom policies
Janet, a good guide will know when to take control and when to give control back to the students. Do not think of this as switching roles, it is all part of being a good guide and overall instructor.
James Jackson
Jodie, well stated. Think back to when you were a student and what were the traits of your favorite instructors? Often times we forget our own needs as students when we become instructors so a little reflection is good and makes for a better instructor overall.
James Jackson
I believe good classroom management traits would include:clear expectations in the classroom,consistency,keeping lines of communication open by being an approachable Instructor, giving respect promotes getting respect,being an example/model and the list goes on. Those are just some traits that create a good foundation for classroom management and learning environment.
Reviewing my classroom management, I find myself moving back and forth from controller to guide. When I first started teaching 20 years ago, I was strictly a controller. With experience and mentors that I have been fortunate to have, the guide emerged and I can easily go back and forth, as the situation dicates. The style I use depends on the "personality" of the class and the individual students in it. Some classes are more extroverted than others and are more cooperative than others. Other factors influencing my teaching styles are the preparedness of the students to meet the rigors of higher education, ability to face challenges and the breadth of knowledge the students possess.
there is no true answer to that
many adults expose an adolescence mentality well after "adulthood"
and many adolescents shows a strong maturity early in life
responsability, accoutability,..these are the traits that you're looking for..or hopping to find in both of them
LAURENT, how do you determine which of your students are adults and which ones are still stuck in some form of adolescence? Knowing where your students are on the spectrum between adolescence and true adult behavior can be very beneficial to you as an instructor.
James Jackson
nikki, what are some of the ways you prepare your students to obey the rules of the classroom? Do you go over the rules the first day of class? Do you discuss dips linearly actions ahead of time? Do you get their feedback on what is expected throughout your time together? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
if you're dealing with adults, you must first earn their repect by becoming a role model,and creating a non threatening environment, on the other hand with younger students you must create a weel structured environment.
in either cases trust has a lot to do with it
and both the instructor and students have to meet half way to find the right key
good communication, good judgement and a good understanding of human nature will make this classroom management a piece of cake
In my opinion the traits and characteristics that are important for good classroom management are professionalism, tact and resourcefulness. A good instructor must remain professional at all times. This means having a solid understanding of the difference between being a mentor to your students and being a "Buddy" to your students. Maintenance of professional boundaries is key.
Tact is also key in the adult classroom. Successful management of the adult classroom requires one part tact, one part professionalism, and one part respect. Disruptions are bound to happen in an adult classroom. It's important to deal with them in a manner that respects the fact that the student is an adult and does not embarass them but also enforces the class rule/regulation in a way that elicits cooperation from the student and their fellow classmates so that the disruption does not occur again and the sanctity of the classroom learning environment is preserved.
Lastly resourcefulness is a very important trait for an instructor. A good instructor must be able to "roll with the punches." A good instructor must be like a boy scout -- always prepared. Even the best planned classroom activities can either go wrong or not have the desired learning effect. Resourcefulness is very important when managing a classroom as sometimes it might be necessary to "shift gears" midstream if students are having difficulty with a particular concept or perhaps an activity is going so well that to follow the original plan might take away from the learning that is happening.
David, the most wonderful sound anyone can hear is their own name so I agree 100% with your statement. What are some of the techniques you have used over the years to master the skill of learning your students names quickly and accurately?
James Jackson
octavia, what techniques do you use in your own classrooms to be a guide and also a classroom leader and demonstrate the successful traits you mention? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
Hi. I think an instructor main characteristic for good classroom management should be his/ her desire to share the learning process in the classroom. The teacher is a guide but also can learn a lot about the students. It is important also his preparation, subject skills, respect and profesionalism.
Here at our school I have taught some of the entry level courses where adults may be returning to school after years of being out. I have found that respect and common courtesy go a long way toward establishing initial rapport. I also believe that one of the most successful traits or practices that an instuctor can have is to learn their student's names as quickly as possible. The sooner you can call a student by name, or respond back to them with their name, the more effective the communication becomes.
Marie, great post and obviously you are a successful professional and will continue to grow because you get it and you understand how to continually improve. Please come back and share what techniques you used from the course and what results you experienced.
James Jackson
I have learned alot from this course, I have realized that I can definately add a bit more control into my teaching methods. I feel that I am a Guide with a bit of a Buddy. I am a determined Instructor that will do everything to inspire and steer my students in the right direction. I treat them as individuals and I let them know that I am there to help them along the way as much as I can so that they can achieve their goals. I have the utmost respect for every student that comes through my class, I treat them as I would want to be treated, I always present myself as a professional with enthusiasm and motivation so that my students will keep their interest! I trust the methods of my teaching and I know that I will continue to improve as I go on thanks to this course.
Rosemary, setting the stage on day one is critical as well as constant reminders during the course sessions in the weeks or months that follow. One exercise I have seen that works very well is to conduct a classroom discussion about the class rules and discuss how students would like to be reminded when they are outside of the class rules. This gets them thinking about classroom management and they are also involved in how peers and the instructor are to remind them from time to time when the classroom rules are not followed.
James Jackson
We are always expected to act as professionals and be respectful of students. Good classroom managers also set the class "rules" at the first class and set the tone for acceptable student behavior. It is very important to hold students accountable as this behavior may be sirruptive to other students who are working hard to master the subject matter.
It is our responsibility to establish classroom behavior that is conducive to everyone's learning.
Althea, we as instructors must Model the Way! The role of an instructor is not fair as we must always bring our "A" game. We do not have the luxury of an "Off" day. We must prepare and be ready to deliver the performance of our life for each class session. If you do not feel you can be dedicated to perform at this level, you may need to find another profession. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your comments are well stated.
James Jackson
