I found the idea behind flexibility very important. As mentioned in the module, I find that in larger classes or classess that are more disruptive, it is more important to play the controller role. Sometimes n a smaller, respectful class it can be hard to relax and allow more freedom. I've been accused of being a "no fun" instructor before and have learned that it is okay to allow some joking to occur as long as we primarily stay on task and it remains at a respectful level.
It is very helpful to have this broad overview of classroom management. It allows us to step outside our "instincts" and consider management styles that may not come naturally but which can enhance our classroom effectiveness once we understand them.
A successful instructor should be combination of Controller, Guide and Buddy.Any student I can manage with combinations of multiple different skills.To get respect, respect them.
Saroj Patel
Being well prepared and profesional.
Being well prepared and professional, being a good role model.
I think two of the most important traits are organization and flexibility.
If the classroom, lessons, materials and instructor are organized then the students have an easier time understanding what expected of them and what they are trying to accomplish; it helps minimize their stress and facilitate their success. And if the instructor is flexible, they are more easily able to facilitate their students’ success by adapting lesson plans and presentations to the specific needs of that class, they are less likely to get stressed when execution is “…not exactly as it was planned†and they are ultimately more easily able to manage their class successfully to the desired outcome.
Amy, well stated. This is why it is good to have your peers evaluate your overall effectiveness in a classroom. I know for myself, I have used video tapping of some of my classes and then requested my peers and supervisors to provide me with feedback on their observations. The focus here is continual improvement. No one knows it all and everyone no matter how many years of experience can improve on some aspects of their classroom management and teaching delivery.
James Jackson
To manage a classroom well instructors need to know who they are - what their own personal strengths and weaknesses are. You cannot effectively manage other people unless you understand yourself.
lisa, being prepared for class and incorporating current events are also critical traights. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
James Jackson
a good instructor should be insightful, respectful and have knowledge of material, they should have the students interact in class to keep interest and allow for feedback.
charles, passion for the subject matter is really critical. Students can easily detect when an instructor is just teaching a topic or sharing information they truly enjoy. The focus here is to record yourself teaching your favorite topics then compare to videos you take teaching subjects that may not be your favorite. What steps do you need to take so your passion for your less favorite subject shine through as well as those topics you enjoy?
James Jackson
George, you are correct and you cannot resolve all of their issues. But you can show a level of concern and even provide some resources for them to consider. I always was very knowledgeable of the student services of any institution where I taught. Knowing how to direct students to get assistance is just as good as being the solution provider as you are the one taking the time to show them you car and what them to get the resources they need to be successful.
James Jackson
Theresa, love your mention of the importance of humor. Having a good sense of the right amount of humor is key to effective learning. Students are more receptive to the learning process when their minds are at ease and relaxed which is what humor tends to provide. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
Jennifer, very well stated. The more we as instructors know about our students the better we can meet their needs. Students today come from very different backgrounds. Some from very good K-12 systems yet others from failing systems. Many students in career colleges have long been removed from a formal education setting so knowing their "story" can assist greatly in understanding how best to meet their preferred learning styles and make up for some of their limitations. Each student will be different and an understanding of how to reach each student at their level of skill and understanding is key to moving them forward on their path to learning.
James Jackson
Arlene, no doubt that we as instructors do get better over time. I know for me I had to learn from my mistakes, evaluate the results of each course and group of students and over time I learned what worked and what needed improvement. Maintaining a record of your achievements based on your goals for each group of students can also be a great tool in becoming a better instructor.
James Jackson
Marie, very well stated. Instructors today encounter many resource deprived students and as such we need to be prepared to assist them in many ways. Understanding their preferred learning styles, their level of literacy, and if they may suffer from any type of learning disorders is critical to achieving the learning outcomes as outlined in a course syllabus.
James Jackson
Joseph, students expect their instructor to be a subject matter expert and also understand how current events impacts their subject area. They also demand that their instructor create a safe and sharing learning environment where they can ask questions and learn from their mistakes. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
James Jackson
Renee, very good point. Organization, being prepared, and keeping students engaged are all critical skills a successful instructor must have in order to achieve the desired learning outcomes. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
Frank, a good guide will still be viewed by students as a buddy and at times a controller so it appears you are doing good with the guide role. A guide will be both coach and referee at times but is always focused on students achieving the intended learning outcomes of any course and each specific lesson.
James Jackson
Successful instructors need to have a passion for their subject and a personal commitment to assist students to succeed. They realize the importance of being a good role-model to establish rapport, professionalism and expectations within the class.
