As a female, teaching in the sciences, how do I maintain authority and credibility?
- One of the best ways to maintain authority is to have good teaching and
classroom management skills. If you are new to teaching, get some assistance
in planning your lessons and go for a more structured approach in the beginning
until you feel you have enough information about your students to handle them
differently.
- Be well prepared and organized for each class. If you teach large groups,
your presentation skills are very important. If you spend the majority of
class time lecturing, your ability to engage and maintain your students' attention
will be critical.
- Establish your credentials on the first day. Talk about your background
and your particular areas of expertise. Give students some information about
your research interests. If you are a GTF and do not feel like an "expert"
yet, let your students know that your job is to be a conduit between them
and the instructor. You are a very experienced student in this discipline.
You have read the texts, listened to the lectures and been successful taking
the tests. You will be able to offer them valuable guidance through the course.
If there are questions you cannot answer, you will quickly help them find
a good resource.
- Be clear about your expectations. If you want to enforce certain policies
regarding attendance, late assignments, missed exams, etc., be clear and concise
and have these things included on your syllabus or information sheet that
is handed out at the beginning of the term. If you want students to sit near
the front, ask them to do this right away. Don't wait a week or more after
seating patterns have been established.
- Consider how you dress as a possible factor in how students respond to
you. An overly casual appearance may undermine your credibility - at least
on the surface. It's important that you are comfortable and dressing up in
the beginning a bit can sometimes help.
- The more you begin to know your students, the easier it will be to make decisions about how to relate to them.
Address questions or comments about TEP or this site to:
Georgeanne Cooper, Program Director, 64 PLC
Phone: 541-346-2177 Fax: 541-346-2184
Teaching Effectiveness Program, Teaching and Learning Center, University of Oregon.
Last Modified:
07/07/09