Biggest Challenge
What's been your biggest challenge as an instructor and how did you meet it?
Hi Nancy,
This is a great question that will generate a lot of discussion. Over the years in training many students to become educators the number one challenge has been behavior management. They question whether they will be able to maintain control of the students and move them through the required course content. In most cases they have found that they really can and that is when they start to enjoy being teachers.
The way they met the challenge was to be prepared. In being prepared they needed to have alternative activities and content in case something didn't work out and they had to change directions immediately.
Gary
I have found lately that students biggest behavioral management issue is entitlement. They snap their fingers and as an instructor I should jump. How do you deal with that?
Hi Carrie,
Good question and one that is being asked more often. The way I deal with it by setting the course expectations, requirements and policies out clearly. Then "when fingers are snapped" I talk with the students about expectations on both sides of the desk, meaning my expectations for them and their expectations for me. I make it clear what that does and does not include. Entitlement is not gifted which only leaves respect. Respect is earned not gifted as well.
Gary
At times I have found certain student personalities to be almost a guarantee they will not be hired in their field. I discuss the expectations of the workplace by using examples to show what attitudes and personalities succeed and those that will hold them back. I am hopeful this will sink in with those students whose attitude needs adjustment. Am I being too subtle and is a more direct approach necessary?
Hi Chris,
You have raised a very good point about personalities in the workplace. I have been researching this area for over 25 years. What I have found is that there are eight personality types represented in the workplace and which we have. For example, Caretakers, Socializers are people that work best in the teaching, health care, counseling areas to name a few. When these folks are placed in setting where strict adherence to details or tolerances is required they don't do as well. The Organizers and Precisionists (two other career personalities) do well in these fields but are not as people oriented as the first two mentioned. My point is I think career college students should be given such assessments to help them understand their personalities and how their personalities can affect their career success.
Gary
One of my bigger challenges has been dealing with students unrealistic expectations in relation to grading (expecting an A in every class). More specifically, I understand that is has to do with grade inflation. In response, I attempt to set expectations during our first meeting that clearly explains what is required in order to receive a letter grade of A and so on (superior submissions and performance overall). Over the years, it has helped significantly.
Hi Barbara,
Well said. This is a very common problem. There is a difference between entitlement and earning a grade. Setting standards toward which the students can work to earn a grade is different that them feeling they are entitled to a grade just because they show up. You have expressed this well in your comments.
Gary
