Classroom Management

 

Classroom management can be the most trying aspect of any new teacher's first weeks. Maintaining student interest and respect while providing good teaching is a challenge for seasoned pros and it can be really tough for beginning teachers.

The following sections on managing classroom behavior and learning can help you to get things off to a good start...

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE MANAGERS OF STUDENT BEHAVIOR Successful managers of student behavior do the following: 1.        Before the beginning of the school year, carefully consider the guidelines needed to promote positive student behaviors; 2.        Establish three to five overarching rules by which students can be guided to develop positive behaviors State them clearly. Make them short and easy to memorize. State them positively. Get a commitment (show of hands, vote, contract, bulletin board display). 3.        Teach each rule (share expectations) and its positive and negative consequences; 4.        Discuss, teach, and reinforce the rules until students regularly demonstrate the expected behaviors; 5.        Review the rules when necessary over the course of the school year or when individual students are disruptive; 6.        Modify rules that aren't working; 7.        Organize daily routines that enable school-related activities to proceed safely, smoothly, and effectively; 8.        Include students in the performance of daily routines by giving them tasks and responsibilities; 9.        Praise students for abiding by the rules and procedures; 10.    Provide corrective feedback to students who do not follow the rules and procedures; 11.    Document behavior problems and record actions taken to use for discussions with school administrators, parents, or other school staff; 12.    Model the behavior expected from students. Be the kind of person children like and trust; be firm, fair, friendly, courteous, enthusiastic, confident; keep your sense of humor.