Taking over an existing class.
When an instructor takes over a class because of administration schedule changes and the class and teacher up to that point have had an excellant report and ongoing successful classroom experieince, what do you feel you be the most effective way to help the students transition in to the new class environment/style techniques of the new instructor?
Having had to do this on a number of occasions, the best advice I can give is to do a quick assessment of the learnings based on the curriculum delivered thus far; determine your best course of action, and deliver the remaining content with the utmost respect and reverence to your colleague, their previous instructor. Then you can establish your expectations moving forward tthrough the class and develop your own rapport with this class. With luck, your predecessor was a consistent fair instructor as well!
I was in this position earlier this year and thought I should not make any significant changes to the previous instructor's grading policies, but made it clear that certain classroom procedures were my choice and needed to be folowed. I did ask students what the previous instructor did for some procedures ad adapted accordingly.
I have been in a similar situation. I am a food science prof who is teaching nutrition for another professor while she is on leave... although they two fields are related, it is sometimes difficult because we use different terms for the same thing. But it forces me to think about things in a new way. And my students tell me it gives them a new perspective on how to use the information from Nutrition, and how to apply it to their jobs.
But then again, when you inherit studetns from another teacher or program you inherit their perceptions of the course, their perceptions of the teacher and their expectations of the assignments. And consistency to the rules and following rubrics to the letter has always worked the best for me. But then you do have to take ever student seperately, consider their best learning style and leave open communication for them to approach you with questions, or when they need clarification.
Kathy, you will want to keep the focus on the lesson plan. Do what you can to have your "first day impressions" such as any policy changes you feel are necessary for you to manage the classroom properly. Let the students know you are there to continue to assist them and answer their questions. It will be your job to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible by ensuring you are answering their questions and gaining their trust.
James Jackson
Hello Kathy,
As a manger I have had to do this several times. Each time I have had conversations with both the class and instructor explaining the situation and asking both for their assistance.I let them know that I will be back to see how the class is progressing (must do) and that they can come see me at any time. This also puts the new instructor at ease and allows him or her to be more successful in taking over the class.
I think a conversation with the instructor you will be taking over for would be beneficial. I always go over my SOP standard operating procedures the first day of class and when taking over for a fellow instructor. This helps make everyone understand what is expected of them.
John, great point, never throw a fellow instructor under the bus. Students can read a lot of negative into such tactics. Focus on the task at hand, find out what your students know and what learning objectives are left to accomplish. Create a new lesson plan based on what is left to teach and move forward. The focus needs to be on the students and not the prior or current instructor.
James Jackson
Barry, seems to be those students came out with a much higher level of understanding than if they were with the same instructor the entire time. You can not clone one instructor to the next but you can look into a situation and determine what is in the best interest of your students and then move forward. Looks to me like a job well done on your part.
James Jackson
Chad, great point and anytime you can speak with the person that started the student group you will most likely have a better experience. You will still want to have your "Day 1" discussions with your students and make sure they know your expectations and you know theirs.
James Jackson
open communcation I believe is the best when I step into another instructors class room I asked the students a little about themselves. I feel this is a great way of showing them I'm not there just because their regular instructor is not and that I care about them and their education. I asked what they are having trouble with what I can help with what they might not understand. I may be their the rest of the day or even the rest of the course and trust goes along way
Cecil, you said it all - it is all about building trust and professional respect.
James Jackson
For I always introduce myself and provide a little background to the students so that that get a brief moment of getting to know me. What works for me too is I gauge the class in open discussion and see what they understand from the course first and work from their with the course objectives.
Pietro, great technique. By discussing what the students know of the course materials you were able to get caught up with their learning outcomes and build a great professional relationships.
James Jackson
This is always an interesting transition. I too take the time to introduce myself to the class and depending upon the number of students, I have them introduce themselves to me. During their introduction, I usually ask for two or three interesting facts about the student. In turn, this information helps me to begin a personalized relationship with the each individual, gauge their personality and memorize their name and face.
Great question! I have found myself in this situation a couple of times. I have heard things like, "But Mr. X said to do to it this way," and that's a good opportunity to explain that there is often more than one acceptable way to complete a task.
I agree. Taking time with introductions (both student introductions and instructor introduction) is important.
It is also important to discuss expectations again, to make sure everyone is on the same page, going forward.
When I take over a class I review the syllabus and lesson plan that the instructor had been following and then I create an assessment to see where the students stand in their knowledge of the subject matter. I would never talk bad about the instructor prior to me and would reassure the students that the class would not skip a beat and that there would still be positive outcomes in the end.
Jennifer, great point. No value can be achieved speaking poorly of a peer. Students get confused and such tactics give students a poor example to follow. Thanks for remaining positive and leading by example.
James Jackson
I have had to do this for a class, and it can be difficult. My college does have school wide policies for all the classes, and this made my transition easy. Students tried to do little things in the beginning to see how far I would bend and all I had to do was refer to the school wide policies and give them a "refresher" course when I first began. I believe that reviewing the rules lets them know that you as the instructor is aware of the expectations and know what the policies are.
