Students Comparing the Instructor with Another Instructor
I recently had a student who consistently and vocally stated "that's not the way Mr. X does it". I sent out an email to the class after a particularly challenging session letting students know every instructor has their approach, particularly with different coursework, and that everyone is expected to behave in a respectful manner. It helped, but I also discovered Mr. X was talking to students about my methods in his class. I brought the issue to my manager and I later discussed it with Mr. X, but really am frustrated he actively undermined my relationship with students. Anyone else had this problem? If so, how did you handle it?
I have not had that problem, however I think it is very unprofessional and unethical for Mr. X to talk about your teaching methods in his class. If he has a comment, either positive or negative, he should discuss that with you privately.
By discussing your class in his, that allows the students to view possible discord in the department or school.
Maybe Mr. X is threatened by your teaching style. You could take it as a compliment!
I have had this happen, I ask my students who prepares the best meals? What restuarant, who's parent or grandparent... in asking I point out how everyone has their own preferance. I also point out that we are all great Instructors as well as professionals in our field. I point out that we only are to compare ourselves with ourselves.
Good analogy about meal preparation and preferences!
Hi Lynne,
I let the students know quickly that this is MY room, and I do things as I want to. It is not Mrs. So and So's room.
Patricia Scales
Every teacher is different and has their own style of teaching. What works for Mr. X may not work as well in my class due to different teaching styles and subjects being taught. It is important for students to know that I am the Instructor, and according to the syllabus it will be done this way with other activities to engage them.
I also find that students use this technique with assignments or other course work saying "Mr. X didn't want so much detail or information" to try to get the assignments changed or made easier. Students will test us by using the comparison technique. I like to say to students that a variety of teaching styles will add to their experience as learners and challenge them to be more open to the differences between people and embrace those as this will help them interact with a wider variety of people when they graduate.
Hi Patricia,
Good way to put this type of situation to students. I let them know up front, that I am not Mr. or Mrs. So and So, I am Mrs. Scales, and this normally nips it in the bud.
Patricia Scales
This is always such a difficult situation to be in. The other instructor doesn't realize how challenging he has made it for you in your own classroom. The worst thing you can do is retalliate! I think you did the right thing by going to your supervisor and discussing this issue with Mr.X. I wonder if he is a Mr.-Know-it-all, or is he an inexperienced instructor? Usually more experienced instructors recognize the importance of supporting their fellow instructors for the combined respect of the students. Certainly seems like he didn't respect you, or he was just trying to look good in front of his students, to make himself feel better.
It is very frustrating hearing from students that "you don't teach your class as the other instructor teaches". I too had to mention that we all have different teaching styles and as in life, we have to learn and adjust to new and different situations.
