classroom management techniques

[Rizpah]

re comment by Vickynurse on the "things you wish you could tell your co-workers thread -

I teach the CNA program at the facility where I work. I've learned to start out the first day with laying down my expectations.

1)You are employees of this facility, you applied here to work.

2) You are being paid to be here, to participate and to learn.

3) You are adults and I am not a babysitter. (all of our employees are at least 18 yo or more)

I used to be afraid of what the students would think of me if I got on them about something. But I don't care anymore - I have a job to do - to turn out competent CNAs that can pass their test and give quality care to the consumers. :icon_hug: I have found over the years that the more straight forward I am with the students, the more respect I gain from them - you get back what you give (most of the time )

If I have some chatty-kathies that are disturbing the class, I stop what I'm doing and wait (body language works great at this point - crossed arms, tapping foot, looking at my watch) until they catch on that they now have the floor and everyone's attention. Usually they are embarassed without me saying a word and it doesn't happen again. But if I have repeat offenders, I will take them to the side during a break or something and discuss the problem and how it affects the class.

It's not a comfortable situation to be in and I often have to remind myself that I am the one in charge and it's my responsibility to nip these problems in the bud. When the appropriate behaviors are fostered within the classroom setting, it makes for better reception in report when they actually get to the floor work.

Then again there may be those students that just will never "get it". They are usually the ones in our facility that don't last. :smackingf

[tkhayman]

Thank you for you post. As a new LVN instructor i have had a few problems, but lucky for me i have a good group of students. But it is good to know that i am not the only one experiencing what it is like to teach adult students.