My first day of class is spent reconnecting with students from the previous year, meeting the new, and introducing the new students to their classmates. My class takes 3-4 years for completion so I always have more advanced students mixed with the new students. This offers great opportunities for the older students to mentor the younger, and younger to have upper classmen to connect with to ease tensions moving from middle school to high school.

We spent the next 2 days working on a group project as an ice breaker and get the students back into the learning mindset from… >>>

I am a brand new educator, and this course is helping with my anxiety about the first day. This is great information about how to set the stage for the students to be successful in the course and clarify expectations. Additionally, I gained some strategies for creating an open and accepting environment and encouraging teamwork among the students. 

I really liked the idea of using 'Use It Wise' cards as a strategy for dealing with challenging students. I think it’s a great way to give students a chance to reflect on their behavior and redirect their energy in a positive way. I plan to create my own version of these cards and use them when a student seems disengaged or disruptive. I’d love to hear how others have successfully implemented this strategy in their classrooms or if there are any tips for introducing it effectively!

Definitely learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat them.  Also try to get information and suggestions from other instructors

There is much truth to students having outside factors that play into their behavior.  Not that it is an excuse allowing this behavior, but sometimes just listening to them assists how they manage their responses

Like some of the suggestions in managing the inattentive students.  Definitely will have to try one for the students sitting at the back of the class chit chatting and on their phones

Providing clear and concise information about expectations is probably the best take away.  Also need to make sure to communicate in a way that is understandable to students.

Comment on Natasha Ramirez's post: I thought the due date comment was interesting. I do get some students saying they did not know when an assignment was due, but mostly it is work and home conflicts.

Patience with students should always be applied

 
When teaching adults, class management means that you are prepared, organized, and dedicated to sharing your expertise and knowledge of the field. When students see an educator who possesses these characteristics, they settle into the course much quicker with less stress.