Sandi, we give respect to get respect. Some instructors look at the job as an entitlement and feel the title of instructor alone demands respect. This simply is not the case in higher education. The more you take the time to learn about your students and engage them in the classroom the more they will respect you and learn from you. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
Gayle, great job identifying the importance of seeking assistance from others. We as instructors always inform out students to ask questions if they do not understand something in class but we also at times are not so good at seeking assistance ourselves. Have you ever heard that teachers are the worst students? Our focus today is to turn that saying around and lead by example and to be a great instructor you first must be a great student and be willing to seek assistance when needed.
James Jackson
Michelle, well stated. The best way to be prepared is to understand the objectives of each class session and the desired learning outcomes. Speak to other instructors and focus on those instructors that teach the next level class. What are their expectations of what students should know when they take their class - This will greatly assist you in your understanding of what students need to know before leaving your class.
James Jackson
I beleive that above all you have to take ownership of the course and be organized.While you cannot anticipate everything-being unprepared is a recipe for disaster. I also always reflect on or discuss with a co-teacher after a class or course on what worked and what did not and how it can be improved. If you are a content expert-you are far more prepared to handle situations, when you are thrown into a class that you are not completely competent in but must play the "role" of expert-I try to consult with experts on trouble shooting. I think that the adult classrom is an area that we can all learn to improve on and get better. I am already thinking of our faculty and who is a guide, buddy etc!
Patience, consistency, sets the standard and expectation from day one and expects consistency from all students as well as self. Is fair and a good communicator. Doesn't shy away from asking for help if needed from supervisor or other faculty. Standard is explained and upheld and expects nothing less than "doing to the best of your ability." Does not allow students to disrupt class and the learning/concentration/participation of other students.
The most important trait is professionalism. The instructor should provide the students with the dignity that all people deserve and let the students know that they are individuals and not just another student in the class. Each student needs to feel as an important member of the class. Respect should be shown to the school and the schools policies.
Students mimic what they see or "perceive". A good Instructor is a role model for students, hence the importance of arriving on time, starting class on time, dressing appropriately, maintaining professionalism in front of the students. Students will respect an Instructor that has respect for themselves. If an Instructor is unkempt in appearance and manners, students are not as willing to behave in or out of the class.
Richard, great post and another term is engagement. Students need to be engaged to truly learn. Some students can put on a good show but research has shown that engagement is the key and building in some level of repeating key concepts and skills.
James Jackson
Shirley, well stated. Students know who is fake and who is truthful. Never be fake and lead by example. Students will learn from their mistakes just like instuctors. Making a mistake is not a bad thing but not learning from it or not using it as a learning opportunity is just foolish in my book. The more you can show students how to learn from their mistakes they will become more familiar with your teaching style and trusting of your methods.
James Jackson
Shirley, not all students have the same interest with respect to being a buddy with an instructor. For some they just do not have multiple choices with respect to mentors and role models. Be careful not to lump all students into a single catagory. Guiding your students is a best practice but this in no way implies you cannot teach with an intelligent heart as both are needed to be truly successful.
James Jackson
After 1 year of teaching I realized that staff and instructors are there to stay and studens come and go. The students that want to buddy with the instructor always want something extra. It is better to treat the students the same as much as you can
Sometimes even with careful planning things become disorganized. We are only human, questions come up etc. Students respect if you admit you are only human and go onto plan B
A sense of open discussion, respect and rapport is vital for effective classroom management. Students need to know that they are actively involved in the learning and educational process.
Jennifer, there are limits of what you can do if you yourself are under a controlling institution. The best practice is to always try new things that can impact your students in a positive way but you also need to ensure you have the support of your institution. I would recommend engaging in discussion with your leaders and find out how others within your institution are experiencing success as guides versus controllers then make the appropriate changes.
James Jackson
In my position I unfortunately feel I have fallen into more of the Controller style. I will try to adapt my style to more of a Guide by focusing on the most important things for the students to learn. We are practically given scripts for what to discuss in our classroom presentations, but that leads to pure lecture and not as much interaction and student involvement. I would like to alter my style to give students the key information they need to succeed and make sure they are actively part of the lesson. I think this will help with the classroom management as well as the student's learning environment.
Jacqueline, well stated and talks to the importance of leading by example. Instructors by their title are leaders but can diminish their role as a leader by not modeling the behavior they want from their students. Each class session is critical and your students deserve and demand your best at all times.
James Jackson
Richard, you will do great. Just remember to be yourself and do not be afraid to try new things and learn from any failure. I have failed many times over my 20 year career as an educator and I have always received positive feedback from my students because I have been honest, humble, and respectful. No one is perfect and if students get to know you as a person and respect you as someone you is truly interested in their success, you will do very well. Stay in touch and let us know how things go.
James Jackson
I will soon enter the classroom as an instructor for the first time. This course has shown me some pitfalls in classroom management style to be aware of and to avoid. I think an effective instructor is one who puts the educational needs of his students first. I believe instructors who have a genuine respect for their students and their desire to learn are already on their way to demonstrating the qualities of a guide. It's important to avoid becoming too much of a buddy or controller, and apathy must not be allowed into your style at all. A successful instructor is one who not only can honestly assess himself, but be open to considering the guidance and suggestions of his peers and superiors.
i fully agree with this! i would like to add that i believe a good instructor should also be flexable. knowing when a strict guideline is necessary, and when bending is necessary.
I think it is important for an instructor to be prepared above all. I have many complaints in my classrooms from students that other instructors they currently have for other classes are simply just not prepared. I also think it is important for instructors to be on time for class - this sets the tone for the learning environment from the start. It shows the instructor is disciplined enough to arrive to class on time. I think respect in the classroom from the students and instructor are extremely important in order to keep the learning environment effective for every one. I think classroom management can be difficult when teaching adult learners, especially depending on the culture, however, I find the use of silence on my part extremely effective in controlling "sidebar" conversations. I also post my rules on the board regarding classroom eiquette at the start of the semester.
