domain 2
the classroom environment
Classroom management plan
As far as classroom discipline goes, I use discipline in my classroom as a last resort. I prefer the term classroom management. If a teacher is good with management, there will not be a need for discipline. My classroom is one where students are able to work together as a community of learners, which means that they will constantly be involved in projects together, talking about their work, and being critical thinkers. This implies that my classroom is one of controlled chaos and that it also requires masterful management techniques. Some of my different techniques include seating changes based on the activity the class is working on, non-verbal and verbal cues to grab the attention of the students, using different computer labs and library time as outside resources, and keeping students engaged in partner and group work rather than direct instruction from the front of the room.
How is this possible? By circulating, delegating, observing and managing groups, and giving quality instructions and directions. When discipline is an issue, I go through a few intervention techniques before jumping to anything too serious. I start with a non-verbal or verbal warning to the students and give them a couple of chances to pull it together. When that doesn't work, I let students call guardians to tell them what is happening in the classroom and then I chat with the person to make any necessary clarifications. If this doesn't help, I think about whether or not a pattern is occurring or if this is a onetime deal for the student. It's important to talk to him or her to see what's going on in life before I take matters to the next level in regards to behavior changes. When they become necessary, I've found contracts with the students that vary between kids and grade levels to encourage different behavior as mostly beneficial. I would use the office as a last resort because the people in there are busy folk, and when there's good management in the classroom, there isn't usually a reason to take things to the level of an office referral. That being said, I'm also not afraid to ask for assistance when I know I need it. A teacher can only be stubborn about a student for so long until she realizes she needs help, and I've learned to accept that there are situations where other people may need to step in and come to my aid.
How is this possible? By circulating, delegating, observing and managing groups, and giving quality instructions and directions. When discipline is an issue, I go through a few intervention techniques before jumping to anything too serious. I start with a non-verbal or verbal warning to the students and give them a couple of chances to pull it together. When that doesn't work, I let students call guardians to tell them what is happening in the classroom and then I chat with the person to make any necessary clarifications. If this doesn't help, I think about whether or not a pattern is occurring or if this is a onetime deal for the student. It's important to talk to him or her to see what's going on in life before I take matters to the next level in regards to behavior changes. When they become necessary, I've found contracts with the students that vary between kids and grade levels to encourage different behavior as mostly beneficial. I would use the office as a last resort because the people in there are busy folk, and when there's good management in the classroom, there isn't usually a reason to take things to the level of an office referral. That being said, I'm also not afraid to ask for assistance when I know I need it. A teacher can only be stubborn about a student for so long until she realizes she needs help, and I've learned to accept that there are situations where other people may need to step in and come to my aid.
got a second?
Watch a quick video! On this episode, the teacher is struggling with that one student. You know. That student. This is the perfect example of how not to manage a classroom. Poor guy never had a chance. It's fun, it's short, and it's made by kids!