Classroom Management

Expectations for classroom conduct and social interaction are learned and can be taught using proven principles of behavior and effective classroom instruction.

Students' ability to learn is as much affected by their interpersonal and intrapersonal behavior as it is by their academic skills. Behaviors conducive to learning and appropriate social interaction are best taught at the beginning of the academic year and reinforced throughout the year.

 
Teachers can help shape and improve students' social and classroom behavior by:

• Providing clear classroom rules and expectations within the first two weeks of school.
• Exercising proactive disciplinary strategies, such as bringing students' attention back to classroom rules.
• Praise appropriate behavior, provide planned consequences for appropriate behavior and misbehavior.
• Being aware of antecedent events associated with inappropriate behavior.

Effective classroom management is based on...

• Setting and communicating high expectations.
• Consistently nurturing positive relationships.
• Providing a high level of student support.

The development of an effective learning climate is based on structure and support. To be both effective and culturally responsive, teachers can develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with their students by consistently communicating that they are firmly committed to supporting all of their students.

 
Teachers can effectively manage their classrooms by:

• Creating and maintaining an environment with a predictable schedule and clear rules that are consistently enforced.
• Setting high expectations supported by encouraging and nurturing student-teacher relationships.
• Maintaining a high ratio of positive statements and rewards.