Course #2 - Managing the Classroom SYS-ED SYSED


*Course #2 - Managing the Classroom*

April 2005
Instructor: Marshall Boyler
Executive Director: Cheryl T. Munson

Educational Training Associates
1057 Wayneport Road
Macedon NY 14502-9733

Assignment: WHO? Please describe the student or student’s involved in the problem. The incident is not specific to any one student. However, the student(s) would be typical in terms of the composition of IT staff at a Fortune 1000 company or government municipality. There is no single student, but rather a subset of the class which reflects the problem. Assignment: DID WHAT? Please describe the incident or incidents, which have created a problem for you as the instructor or for other students. There have been several instances in which SYS-ED/Computer Education Techniques, Inc. has been granted a contract from Fortune 1000 companies, government municipalities, healthcare provider, or consulting firm to teach its employees new software as part of either a downsizing, consolidation, or termination of its employees. The fundamental problem associated with conducting a course in this type of environment is an uneven attitude by students’ attending the course, which in a worst case scenario has been characterized by hostile behavior towards one another and the SYS-ED/CETi instructor. Typically, a high percentage of students in the class have low motivation in terms of paying attention to the instructor’s lecture, demonstrations, examples, and performing the required workshops. Classroom management becomes very problematic, as well as providing effective knowledge transfer. However, the communication with the manager(s) who scheduled the training is typically professional and pleasant. MY DIAGNOSIS: Please describe what you feel is the overt or underlying cause of the problem. The overt or underlying cause of the problem is fear (both actual and real) of loss of employment and difficulty in concentrating on learning something new. There also is the issue of dealing with distrust, if not outright animosity between management and the employees being trained. MY EFFORTS: Please describe the steps that you have taken to alleviate the problem. The steps that were taken were as follows:
1.	The objectives were stated both verbally by the instructor in front of the class and distributed in writing as to what the objectives of the course would be and how the investment in technology would be critical regardless as to whether they would remain employed by their current organization or whether they had to go look for a new job.
2.	Effective Classroom Management Techniques were utilized by the Teacher: We set/demonstrate standards of professional conduct. Lead by example; set a positive attitude. Identify the talents of the students. Encourage exploration. Everyone can learn something/benefit from the course.
3.	Demonstrate professionalism and integrity of effort: Excellent knowledge of the subject matter and that we have something to offer in terms of knowledge transfer. That we care that the student learns. That they communicate ideas. That we are punctual. That we project positive values. That we have a passion for what we teach. That we are committed to getting things correct. That there is a commitment to providing ongoing support no matter where they will be employed.
RESULTS OF THE BRAINSTORM OF MY PROBLEM We did provide a professional learning experience for the client. Our abilility/skills in handling these situations have been developed incrementally. However, the course evaluations were not up to our usual standards. And it was an extremely difficult course to teach. It was not nearly as enjoyable as teaching a course when students are in a relaxed positive work environment. STEPS TO TRY The next time we are in a situation like this: We will establish a Learning Contract, stating both the Values Under Which We Operate and The Role Of the Student (As suggested in course 2: Managing the Classroom). We also will present management with the Johari Windows' window prior to the course in order to plan for dealing with the inevitable problems as they occur: OPEN: I know, You know BLIND: You know – I don’t HIDDEN: I know; you don’t UNKNOWN: Nobody knows Over the years we have developed a variety of techniques to help ensure the quality of our instructor-led courses.