Classroom management as set-up for the real-world
As diverse individuals come to a class, it is expected that our students come with different discipline background orientation, different state of mind, attitude, and emotional intelligence. It could be said that while learning is the most outcome that the school expects from students, classroom management also provides students the venue to condition themselves on how to behave in the real-world. When the instructor firmly implement consistent and fair classroom management, students would likely act accordingly to comply with company regulations and policies when students get hired for work.
I agree that as instructors we have a golden opportunity to coach and guide students, and it is my belief that if you we do that correctly then the student will be better prepared for what is ahead.
I've had plenty of years of experience as a Student, but am new to the classroom environment as an official Instructor. I absolutely agree that presenting the classroom setting as a professional working environment is a great idea. All of my students have unique circumstances that I need to work around when it comes to absences or leaving class early. If I explain policies to them in the context of 'this policy or rule exists because it would be completely unacceptable to do if hired for the job you are training and studying for', it not only gives them an idea of what to expect in the Real World, but also helps make the most of the time we have together, because they tend to treat class time more seriously and genuinely want to get feedback on whether or not they were performing in a professional manner that might give them an edge to be employed. I think it helps to share my past professional experiences, (even the embarrassing and awkward ones that tread into my personal life)to set the tone for an approachable 'Buddy' demeanor in order to gain respect as a 'Guide'- especially considering I am the same age or even younger than most of my students.
William, great post and conversation. This also brings forward another interesting question - How do you measure "success" in your classroom? Are there any outcomes you can directly measure or some other means by which you can give yourself a grade of how well you did to accomplish your own goals for your classes? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
I have often thought that guiding a class was a lot like owning your own business and like wanting your business to do well was also a good way of facilitating your class. I can fully understand now how this approach would work well in my classes and help me be more proactive to situations that in the past have left me backed into a corner with no real way of rectifying the situation and coming out on satisfied
Paul, well stated. Do you have this exact discussion with your students? Could be powerful to include such conversations with students so they better understand how the way you manage your classroom is simply an extension of the lesson plan and the skills you are transferring to them as part of their learning process.
James Jackson
Kristina, great way to get students to take classroom time seriously. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
Kristina, I too, encourage my students to treat my classroom as their work environment, and to view me as a manager. I worked in the private sector for many years as a manager before becoming a full-time instructor, so I know what the expectations of a professional office truly are. So many of our students work, but not in the professional capacity for which they are training, and they do not have the comprehension that tardiness, classroom participation, or completing a task is not an option in the real world. I use scenarios from my own experiences (including my mistakes), to teach them these expectations.
Teresita, well stated and so true. While not all working environments are fair and equally rewarding, the learning process of how to ask in the workplace does begin in a well managed classroom. Students need to understand that how they act in the classroom tends to translate to how they will act in a place of work and this too is part of the learning process. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
in the real world , no one chooses their co-workers, so the habit of discipline is critical to the successful career tracks we teach, as well , instructors don't choose the students in their classes so this behavior model plays itself out every six weeks, we have new models to show and exercise to the students.
I have encouraged students to view the classroom as a professional working environment, and to view me as an employer. This helps set the tone of the classroom. It gives instructors an opportunity to give students real world experience on how to communicate effectively with employers. And for those students who have not developed those skills, instructors have the opportunity to coach them. I also think this will help support an instructors role as a guide, rather than just a disciplinarian, and students will be more open to comments and suggestions. Then in real world situations, the students will be better prepared and more confident when addressing issues with employers.
