Managing the Classroom
Managing Student Behavior
Indicator 4 - Fails to Respond Immediately to Disruptive Behavior UETS 3b., 3c., 3d.
Effective teachers act immediately when misbehavior disrupts learning activities. Effective classroom managers intervene early in the misbehavior cycle.
IDEAS/SUGGESTIONS:
- Be aware of everything students are doing whether they are engaged in whole group, small group or individual work. Recognize when it is necessary to intervene quickly before minor problems become major distractions:
- Arrange the classroom so you have an unrestricted view of the entire area.
- Scan the classroom regularly to spot potential problems.
- Circulate and assist students during independent study time. You will be more able to monitor students and maintain student engagement.
- Ignore misbehavior only if it is not likely to persist, if it is not dangerous to others, or if giving attention to the behavior might actually reinforce it.
- When misbehavior occurs help the student(s) understand a correlation between the behavior and the class rules.
- Recognize students who are behaving appropriately instead of focusing on the negative behavior. Try to engage the misbehaving student in the learning using a positive approach if possible.
- Ask the offending student to be ready to read the next paragraph.
- Recognize a student who is appropriately following the rules to prompt the offending student to change their behavior.
- Use low-key tactics when dealing with misbehavior such as close proximity and using a quiet, calm voice.