cool vs. strict - balancing the line?

Question

This is for teachers and subs. I am a sub, and I am wondering how many of your balance the line between being mean to the students, and cool with them. I like a point in between is good because sometimes you have to be mean and strict, and other times, you can be cool with them. I used to lean more toward strict, but now I lean more toward cool because it makes the job more fun. So which side do you all lean toward?

Answer 1

You can always set limits and define expectations in a cool manner. Setting a relaxed and pleasing tone is very important. It's an art. It's something you have to think about and prepare for in advance depending on your own personality and individual skills. Getting the students to participate is an important key. Don't try to perform for them too much. You are already on the right track or you would not even be asking this question. Good luck.

Answer 2

Well, mean and cool are not your only two choices.

Meanness simply isn't effective. Students will eventually find ways to rebel if you are a constant SOB.

But coolness isn't effective either. First of all, nine times out of ten, what's really going on is that students have learned that if they can make you believe they think you're cool, you'll let them walk all over you. Then after class they go out in the hall and make fun of you.

Cool may make your life easier, but it doesn't get the job done. And should the day come when, heaven forbid, there's a crisis and your students need someone to be a leader who takes control of the situation, it won't be you.

Treat your students with respect. Demand that they treat you and the work you do and each other with respect. The results are far better than those you get with either cool or mean.

Answer 3

I never subbed, but taught one year of 9--12 English, Speech, and French. I spent 15 years teaching at the cc and univ level. I used the strict approach for about the first 2-3 weeks of a semester, then started chillin'. Remember, if you start off "cool" with them, you can never go to strict, because they'll call bs on you; however, if you start off strict, you can always move to cool.If you're subbing a lot in one school, word will get out quickly not to give you any trouble...if you're strict. As the year continues, you can loosen up a bit. The job's a lot more fun when you and the students are relaxed, but the administration (who gave you the job) will stop calling you if the regular teachers complain about unfinished lessons or students disrespecting them.

Answer 4

The best thing you can be is fair and consistent. If you want to joke it up then joke it up with all the students. When it's time to tone it down then make sure that happens and stick to your rules. All the students get the same treatment no matter what their behaviour is like. Diffuse any potentially tense situation with humour that does not threaten anyone. And keep smiling - you'll be cool.

Answer 5

I feel like I need to balance 'cool' with 'mean' . But, you are not the students' friend, period. I try to be strict, and then when kids can handle it, funny and more laid back so that school is fun and not a jail sentence.

Answer 6

I have to agree with other posters - you have more than two choices.
It all comes down to respect, expectations, modeling behaviour and consistency.

Be respectful to your students, discuss expectations both yours and theirs, model the behaviour you expect and be consistent in your approach - though keep in mind the reasons / backgrounds (if you have prior knowledge) of the students actions / behaviour.

Also, if you are more firm to begin with you have more room to maneuver later - especially when you choose to joke around, as you should have more success getting them back on task.