The instructor should be respectful and professional at all times. The first day of class the instructor should let the students know what their expectations are. I think that letting the students know what is expected of them helps set the tone for the remainder of the class.
Good classroom management is such a mixture of so many different traits and characteristics, it's like a fine recipe.
It's so very important to show the instructor's concern to students' problems in class... or in life, and being able to help them in dealing with that, be it time management, an unsupportive family, or maybe just trouble in understanding the lessons.
Boundaries do need to be set by the instructor so that everyone knows the responsibilities and expectations of the class. In addition, this includes the instructor in being a good role model.
I feel that showing and sharing your enthusiasm on the subject being taught is so critical as well. It shows students that there is a "bright light" at the end of the tunnel to which they are working so hard to achieve.
I love your approach! When we try to pass off information we do not know as fact, we loose our credibility. However, that said, we need to let them know that we are the most capable in the room. I let my students know how exciting this industry is in that it can take a life time of learning and you will never "know it all". I do think it is equally important to convey confidence and above all else honesty. By being organized and doing our due diligence, we can prove our competency by doing and showing verses just saying!
I agree! I think it is important to develop a report with students that welcomes any approach. I don't want any of my students to feel uncomfortable to approach me for any reason. I also let my students know that their learning is my number one responsibility. They have a responsibility to each other to not interrupt the learning process and I have a responsibility to each of them to facilitate that learning process. I believe that the love of my craft comes through to the students and they understand I want to give that gift to them. That approach is a win win situation for all. We stay on task and focus on the objective, to elevate their level of mastery in their chosen profession.
I feel professionalism is very important number one in my book. Also treating the student's as adults being respectful and mindful of each student.I feel if you treat the student's with respect and as adults 90% of the student's will follow your lead. The instructor sets the tone for the class either good or bad.
Patience,enthusiasm, knowledge and love of the subject matter are all important characteristics for an instructor
Great points Dorothea. Showing an obvious love for the subject matter is very noticeable by students. They also notice when an instructor is not into the materials but are forced to teach a subject that is not an area of high interest. Such situations can really demotivate a student. I tend to think of the teaching environment as a role in a play and I as the actor need to deliver a fantastic performance. This not to say to fake your enthusiasm but I do feel you need to check your ego at the door and leave your bad day behind once you enter into the classroom. You are there for the students and not the other way around.
Regards,
James Jackson
Very well stated Curt. I really resonated with your statement on enthusiasm and the critical role it can play in the student's motivation to learn. I am sure you have had similar experiences, most of us have, with respect to being in a classroom or some form of training where the facilitator was not that into the subject or into the act of being the class leader. Such an individual can really take the life out of even the most interesting of topics. By showing a high level of energy and interest in the subject you are teaching, you inspire your students to take interest and engage in the materials being delivered.
Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
James Jackson
Professionalism is very important both from the instructor and the student. Students enroll in courses to learn a skill to better their futures. Therefore, it is the instructors’ responsibility to be well equipped with essential traits to enable deliver of the subject matter. Effective communication, having a positive attitude is a MUST. There is nothing more boring than having an instructor who is not EXCITED about the material they are teaching. .
I think it is very important to build rapport with my adult learners as soon as possible. The personal interaction between that of facilitator or guide and adult learner is essential to open communication. The guide must be very knowledgeable in the subject matter being presented. Enthusiasm for the topic demonstrates to the students that they have somebody standing in front of them that actually cares about the subject and may care about their personal learning experience. Lastly, it is important to have classroom policies, inform the students of these policies upfront, and enforce them throughout the learning experience.
I believe that professionalism, honesty, credibility, organization, and respect are major traits that an instructor must have in goodclassroom management. Being professional at everytime allows the students to know that they are always being treated correctly and that there is never a preference between any of the students and that you are enthusiastic to teach everyone with great usefull information.
I do believe that an instructor must be honest with all of the students grading,and even admit to a mistake if it commited. This shows the studenth that as much as were willing to work with them that they must also work with the intructor.
An instructor must also have great organizational skills to maintain order at all times. Not being prepared for class may give the students the impression that you may not know what you are doing and you may not be suitable for the job which then may cause the student to become rebellious against the instructor.
An instructor must also give respect if they would like the same back. Once the trust has been lost by the student it may be very difficult to gain it back.
Respect your students and try to understand where thay came from and why they are here. Some of them have very difficult situations they are trying to overcome. If we can "walk a mile in their moccosin" then we can adjust. I have had days were the students seem too "beat up" to think or retain. So it becomes a study day or a review day or a small group activity day. I always have plan B available.
I make sure I am prepared. I write on the board the day's plan and even the week's plan. That is put on the student portals as well.
Respect, communication, and prepartions goea a long way. I just finished a very difficult chapter and the students say they are struggling.
I pause, ask questions, take time out to go over material again and reassure them. For the most part it is a confidence issue.
Tammy, can you share how you stay on topic but allow your students to have some input? Any examples would be awesome for others to learn from your experiences.
Regards,
James Jackson
Great comment Rose. Clear goals and objectives and ultimately follow-through will go a long way to build trust and respect between an instructor and their students.
Regards,
James Jackson
Great feedback Bryce. I agree 100%, the instructor is the leader in the classroom and as the leader should lead by example. It is not enough for the instructor to have the authority in the classroom, they must earn the student's trust and respect.
Regards,
James Jackson
in my opinion a good charachteristic is to be a good guide to your class, being the classes role model in class in a way.
Instuctor should have very clear goals/objectives for each class. The instruction to the students are meaningful and helpful. In the meantime, the instructor respects students and have a lot of interaction with the students. The instuctor needs to set up good/warm environment for the class and encourages student learning.
Staying on the topic, but also allowing students to have some input.
Bill, well stated. Really like your focus on goal-oriented students. Even for those that may not be 100% on track with a specific goal will be motivated by a well prepared instructor that allows the necessary room for growth and self-reflection in the classroom. Such an environment can greatly impact the student's focus on setting and eventually accomplishing such goals.
Regards,
James Jackson
There are many instructor traits and characteristics that are important for good classroom management of adult learners which is where my interest lies. Below are a few that stand out.
Adult learners have accumulated a foundation of life experiences and knowledge that may include work-related activities, family responsibilities, and previous education. The instructor needs to connect learning to this knowledge/experience base. They should draw out student’s experience and knowledge which is relevant to the topic. The instructor must relate theories and concepts to the students and recognize the value of experience in learning through student participation within the learning activities.
I have found most adults to be goal-oriented. Upon enrolling in a course, they usually know what goal they want to attain. The adult learner appreciates an educational program that is organized and has clearly defined elements within the curriculum presented through the selected syllabus. This instructor characteristic is of utmost importance in class management. The instructors must show each student how this class will help them individually through examples to attain their goals. Relevance to each student must be visible to establish a proper functioning learning atmosphere.
The instructor must establish a rapport with students, as reflected in the definition of a buddy, which is a giant step towards establishing a learning atmosphere. This usually drops the instinctive guard each adult student has set-up and provides a step towards student motivation for the classroom activities to come. Instructors should try to establish a friendly, open atmosphere that shows the students that they will help them in the learning process.
Students must also see a reward for learning. The reward can be simply a demonstration of benefits to be realized from learning the material.
These are the primary characteristics that are needed in an adult learning situation.
