Setting the tone
You've heard it said, "Don't smile until Christmas." Although I understand the premise, I don't necessarily agree. One can set boundaries, standards, and clear expectations, and enforce them while still being a pleasant person.
Setting the tone is an important aspect of classroom management and it starts with the instructor. Starting class with a smile lets students know you are happy to be teaching them. I feel emotions are contagious. A smiling instructor can create more pleasant students willing to learn.
I agree. While it is necessary to set the boundaries the first day of class, it is also important to create a partnership with your students that enables them to feel safe in coming to you with any questions that they might have.
Martha,
Good point. In creating a partnership you are starting the development of rapport with students and in return you will be earning their respect. These two R's are the foundation for a successful course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Wade,
I agree with you. I am a smiling person by nature so I could never make it till Christmas, though I firmly set forth the rules, expectations and polices of the course. At the first class meeting I do introductions and an ice breaker. We have a lot of fun, share some laughs and demonstrate that we are all human so everyone can settle into the course and look forward to learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I do believe first day is key in setting the tone and while I am very serious about the important tasks to accomplish and material to be mastered, I sandwich these comments between humor at the beginning of introductory remarks and humor at the end. It's all in the delivery. I want students to know that I plan to have fun, but I also have high expectations. This approach has worked well for me.
