Brian Ross
T O P I C :
'Get Their Bluff In'
Brian Poses the Question. . . .
September 11, 2007
What do you think about teachers who say they need to be extra strict at the beginning of the year to "get their bluff in? Does this inconsistency cost a teacher respect when he relaxes later in the year?
Sarah White answers. . . .
September 14, 2007
I don't think it costs them respect. I think it lets the students know right off the bat what the ground rules are, and when the kids are consistently showing that they understand those rules, then the teacher is able to relax a little bit.
Anthony Halter answers. . . .
September 14, 2007
I think you are right. Rules must be consistantly observed all year long. Stick by your rules or do NOT make them in the first place. The first time you let a rule slide, students see the rules as not very important and you as being unfair. Rules that are followed provide students with a safe environment to learn. Rules that are not followed everytime undermind the important procedures of classroom management. This is just my opinion, but if students do not respect your rules, they do not respect you as their teacher.
Michael Figueroa answers. . . .
September 14, 2007
I think there is something to be said for doing things that way. At the very least, it should be better than coming at things from the other direction with being laid back then getting stricter. If you do that then you give your students way too much rope, they take advantage of you from the start, and it can be hard to get control without alienating kids. I think you need to let the students know that you mean business from the very beginning and lay the ground rules so that they aren't surprised when you come down on them. If you do become softer later in the year, let it be as a reward for good behavior or something. There will be obvious rules that can't be bent or broken, but maybe more minor rules, like ones that are just for your own personal classroom setup, could be changed. Of course, this would only happen if the students can show the right level of maturity and you can be comfortable with the change.
Kendra Jones answers. . . .
September 22, 2007
I have realized just this week that teaching is more being on the line of treating the students like adults and simply relaying information on a subject. But yet other students act more like prisoners in the school setting. There are some who want to learn and see that I am there to help them succeed and then others who just want to get home and think their role is to fight with the teacher and refuse. I don't want to be their friend, but when they walk in the door I don't want them to see me as an enemy and automatically put up their guard. It's like anything you want the student to do, they refuse simply because it is the standard. I have noticed that as the semester goes on and I get to know students more, the respect is earned. In the beginning I think it is important to let the students know your rules and boundaries in the classroom, but extra intimidation is not necessary in order to scare the kids into learning.
Quinn Bivins answers....
October 20, 2007
In a perfect scenario, one would hope to remain consistent throughout the school year in regard to rules, discipline, etc. Though I think this works fine in a college setting, I think teenagers cannot necessarily be trusted to do the right thing from the start. For me personally, I think it might be better to start out a little tougher to get the kids with the program. Before you can establish rapport with the kids and give them a little more rope, you must be very clear as to what will be expected in your classroom from the start. I don't think you lose respect with this, as the kids have experienced this often throughout their schooling. We are not just trying to teach a class, we're trying to teach life skills; an important life skill is learning that if you can act responsibly in the work place, society, etc., you will generally be given a little more leeway and freedom to do things your own way. Some rights are inherent, but many must be earned.
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