Expanding our Teaching Effectiveness: Understanding our Responses to “In-The-Moment” Classroom Events

Abstract

Responses to “in-the-moment” events—defined as events that take an unexpected and potentially negative turn and that require immediate unplanned responses, which may affect the continued integrity and effectiveness of the learning environment—are examined as formative of teaching effectiveness. It is argued that teacher flexibility when responding is a key factor for effectiveness. Using experiential learning theory as a framework, the concept of flexibility in responding to such events is explored. Case studies of actual teaching situations are used as the authors illustrate the application of the framework and offer strategies for increasing response flexibility.