In my opinion, depending on the type of class that I am teaching will determine what style of teaching I may gravitate to for the duration of the course. I find that if the students are not preparing and studying for the subject matter; I tend to become more of the controller to ensure that everyone takes personal responsibility for their education. I may ask each student how he or she is attempting to meet the objectives of each chapter from week to week. I also may start quizzing the students more frequently; if I see through their performance that they are not studying and retaining the information as much as they should. Teaching in a career school setting, the students do not always place their education as their priority; so as an educator I create an environment that makes the students "want" to class.
In my experience, the appearance of self-confidence on the part of the instructor and immediately dealing with any disruptions in an appropriate manner are key to classroom management. Effectively leveraging the power of peer pressure can, on occasion, be useful as well.
A successful instructor is one who is sagacious and one who is able to communicate with students of all ages and from all backgrounds. A successful instructor teaches students to be their own teachers.
Classroom management begins on day 1 by setting the expectations and the guidelines. Not only what you expect from the students; but, what they can expect from you. If the student has a clear and defined direction they know what it will take to be successful. This doesn't mean that they will succeed at every assignment. As instructors we need to be able to redirect the unsuccessful attempts into a constructive learning to guide the student to a successful outcome. Students respect a clearly defined path and goal. Most students will make every attempt to achieve that expectation if they know what it is.
Respect for the students is a big one. I also think an instructor should be open to change. It's hard when you realize what you're doing is not helping the students and you must find a different tactic
I have been teaching (full-time) at a Career College for over four years, and I am also Chair of the General Education Department. Also, this is my first time taking a MaxKnowledge course, and I am very excited about giving a presentation about “Managing the Adult Classroom†to all the other faculty in my school. I plan on acting out the traits of a successful instructor: organized, patient, and available all module long by email.
On the End Of Course Surveys that the students fill out, they often mention how organized I am as an instructor. I think it is important to note that I also make sure I have back-up plans. To help organize my class, I always write an outline on the board. As well, I have hand outs and follow the syllabus and orally stress the class objectives.
Another way I manage my Art History and English classrooms is that every student must participate, and I call on each student many times throughout the five-hour class. (I have the students sign-in when they arrive to class, and this helps me remember their names which is very important.) My patience is also a trait my students mention on the end-of course surveys. Especially when my students are reading aloud (a great way to keep everyone active) I am extremely easy-going and try to be supportive with slow readers.
The third successful thing I have done with my classes is that I have started an e-mail dialogue with my students each module. Whether it is Friday night or Sunday afternoon, I will answer any questions they have about the Monday-Thursday class. I also reply to each and every assignment by email, wish them a wonderful weekend, show concern through emails, etc. I make each student feel special all week long.
Finally, I am noticing how I have changed as an instructor over the past 4.5 years and how I vacillate between the different teaching styles. When I was new to teaching, I was more of a buddy, and now I tend to be more of a controller. Also, if a class is larger, I am more controlling. If a class is an A.A. 101 class, I tend to be more of a controller. When I am instructing smaller, upper-level bachelor classes, I tend to be more of a buddy. I am trying to find the balance and be more of a guide despite the level or size of class.
I believe the traits of a successful instructor are well-organized, highly motivated, exhibits passion for the subject matter and knowledge, helps encourage students maximize productivity and potential. Instructors should also be able to identify when students are struggling and provide additional assistance for the student to grasp the concept and succeed. It is important for an instructor to give positive feedback but also recognize when improvements can be made but not in a negative manner. Instructors should not guide in a threatening manner but maintain control of the classroom. These are just to mention a few traits which are imperative for instructors to have to be successful as instructors.
I feel that humor, patience, and creative thinking are crucial. So often , a student will either not respond or respond in an unexpected and or challenging manner. When an instructor is able to approach situations with humor and course knowledge the students respond well.
What makes a successful instructor is a teacher who has a wide variety of qualities that will make the student feel comfortable in his/her learning envvironment(classroom). The teacher should also be well organized, have an excellent handle on the subject matter being taught, and love the sunject matter as well. Have a non- threatening management style of teaching; exhibit enthusiasm; accomodate the needs of adult learners; and have the ability to adapt or change plans or conditions thet may arise in the classroom. He or she should have the qaualities of a "Controller", being highly motivational, ehforce school rules, but also have the attributes of a "Buddy", in that he/she has a great rapport with their students, and is an excellent role model,and teacher who can instruct in a highly motivated student learning experience. The successful instructor should be a QUIDE to the learning experience.
Sincere thanks Mr. Jackson,
Robert Falite
Jack, well stated. The reality here is teaching is not for everyone. You must be an educator at heart and it is hard to fake it. You either love to be a teacher or you struggle to make a living teaching. Students can identify those that teach for the wrong reasons very easily.
James Jackson
Kerri, what have you been able to do over the years to keep your knowledge and skills in these areas relevant and sustainable? I am sure other instructors would be interested to know how others keep up with the latest trends in learning styles and delivery techniques.
James Jackson
I believe an instructor will have good classroom management when she treats all the students as adults and with respect. Also must insist that the classroom rules are followed and needs to be a good example by also following the rules.
When students see the consistency of holding each student accountable for the rules in the same manner they can begin to build trust in the instructor. It also helps to love your subject and to be willing to say you don't know something "but we can look it up". I encourage questions, discussions, and sharing on the various topics we cover. It took me several years to be comfortable enforcing the rules and not taking it personally when some are bent out of shape because they have been corrected or held accountable. I like to use the phrases "life happens to us all" and "none of us are perfect but we can strive to be good at what we do." It takes some students aback when I admit I am an impertfect human but always try to do my very best.
Based on the materials presented in this lesson, I believe that high openess to experiences, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and low neuroticism are traits important for effective classroom management. For example, being highly organized and dependable (high conscientiousness)seems to reflect the characteristics of a Guide, the preferable management style. On the other hand, an apathete would exhibit characteristics of someone with low conscientiousness, such as poorly planned lessons, disorganization, and low dependability.
A successful instructor needs to have patience and understanding when dealing with all students. They also have to be able to tap into all learning styles and use a combination of useful instructional methods. They should also be able to guide students to be successful by being able to control the classroom environment, as well as using dynamic instructional methods.
Theresa, always be fair but firm and be the number one cheerleader for your subject matter and profession. Great post.
James Jackson
consistency and enthusiasm...studnts need to have these traits in their instructors to help them function.
Marc, you should look into the concept of scaffolding. This is a critical trait of a quality instructor. It is all about how you as an educator can build the bridges that connect the pieces together to bring student understanding to the lesson plan. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
Becky, well stated. Learning can be fun. More work is required on the side of the instructor but the results are incredible and worth the additional effort.
James Jackson
Saroj, this is really what the Guide is all about. If you are too controlling or too much of a buddy you can lose control over your classroom and your students but a guide knows when to provide the right level of control and buddy aspects into the classroom. You are there to educate your students and not to build lifelong friendships. The funny thing is, for those instructors that demand the best out of their students, many end up with life long relationships out of respect and adulation for the effort provided.
James Jackson
Tina, proper preparation is easily noticable by students. If they perceive you are not prepared then they do not understand why they need to prepare or invest any energy on the course. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
