Online Resources

Instructional Communication

Mangaging Hot Moments in the Classroom
from the Derek Bok Center, Harvard
Hot moments occur when people's feelings -- often conflictual -- rise to a point that threatens teaching and learning. They can occur during the discussion of issues people feel deeply about, or as a result of classroom dynamics in any field.
Strategies suggested here rest upon the assumption that it is the teacher's responsibility both to help students learn something from the moment and to care for and protect all the participants, perhaps particularly the student(s) who has generated the hot moment. http://bokcenter.fas.harvard.edu/docs/hotmoments.html

Practical Strategies to Reduce or Eliminate Student Incivility
from the Electronic Journal for Leadership in Learning
Despite the absence of attention devoted to the origin and reduction/elimination of incivilities in higher education, faculty can be instrumental in establishing boundaries, influencing student behaviors, and promoting civil learning environments Specific strategies addressed below include: the use of effective communication skills, spelling out expectations in the syllabus, defining appropriate conduct, using mid-term teaching feedback, establishing a collaborative learning environment, using peer observations, setting a good example, reframing potential conflicts, re-engaging students, using the student grievance process, and using a back-to-basics faculty orientation. Each strategy is briefly described below. http://www.ucalgary.ca/%7Eiejll/volume5/morrissette.html#practical,

Dealing with Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom
from the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, Illinois State
Third, let me offer (as many others have) some strategies instructors might use to deal with disruptive behavior. Of course, these won't all fit every instructor's style, class environment, or particular type of disruption. They won't work with every student. Generally, I recommend you start with attempts to prevent these situations. Then, if they still occur, you start with less aggressive, less controlling strategies using more serious tactics if the behaviors persist. Remember that these problems can be more common for instructors with status inconsistency (women, minorities, international, young, TAs…). Also, remember if you can figure out why the student(s) is being disruptive, it can help you decide what to do. This takes good observation skills and conversations with colleagues and students.
http://www.cat.ilstu.edu/additional/tips/disBehav.php

Campus Conflict Resolution Project Resources Project
from Wayne State University
Being a faculty member is challenging on many levels. The academic environment, dubbed an "organized anarchy" by some theorists, creates ample opportunities to come into conflict with colleagues, administrators, students, and within oneself over conflict goals and opportunities. In this section of the site we feature various tools or basic tips and reminders to help faculty navigate conflict with as much grace and skill as possible.
http://www.campus-adr.org/Faculty_Club/tips_faculty.html

Factors that make student and faculty relationships effective
College Teaching, Fall 2002 Vol. 50 (4)
If this link does not work, access College Teaching online through the library website.
Link to PSU Library

Improving Nonverbal Communication
from the Honolulu Community College Teaching Tips Index
It is not only what you say in the classroom that is important, but it's how you say it that can make the difference to students. Nonverbal messages are an essential component of communication in the teaching process.
http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/...