Classroom Management
Discipline Strategies, Rules & Procedures, Positive Reinforcement & Engagement
What is Classroom Management?
Definition
The process of organizing and conducting the classroom so that maximum learning can take place. It involves creating an environment conducive to learning through proper planning, organization, and implementation of strategies.
Academic
Managing learning activities and curriculum delivery
Behavioral
Managing student conduct and discipline
Physical
Managing classroom space and resources
Establishing Rules and Procedures
Rules
General expectations for behavior.
- Keep them few (3-5 rules)
- State positively when possible
- Make them clear and specific
- Involve students in creating rules
- Post rules visibly
Example Rules:
1. Respect others
2. Raise your hand to speak
3. Be prepared for class
Procedures
Specific routines for daily activities.
- Entering the classroom
- Getting materials
- Turning in assignments
- Asking for help
- Transitioning between activities
- Dismissal routine
Key:
Teach, model, practice, reinforce
Discipline Models
Assertive Discipline (Lee & Marlene Canter)
Teacher is assertive, not aggressive or passive. Clear consequences for behavior.
- Clear expectations and rules
- Positive consequences for good behavior
- Negative consequences for misbehavior
- Teacher's right to teach, students' right to learn
Positive Discipline (Jane Nelsen)
Focus on solutions, not punishment. Mutual respect.
- Kind and firm at the same time
- Focus on long-term solutions
- Encourage and empower students
- Class meetings for problem-solving
Logical Consequences (Dreikurs)
Consequences are related, reasonable, and respectful.
- Natural consequences when safe
- Logical consequences when needed
- Focus on belonging and significance
- Identify mistaken goals of behavior
Love and Logic (Jim Fay)
Build responsibility through natural consequences and choices.
- Give choices, not commands
- Allow natural consequences
- Show empathy with consequences
- Build thinking skills
Positive Reinforcement Strategies
Verbal Praise
- Be specific: "Great job solving that problem!"
- Be sincere and immediate
- Praise effort, not just results
- Use private praise when appropriate
Non-Verbal Recognition
- Thumbs up, smile, nod
- Pat on the back
- Proximity (standing near working student)
- Eye contact with approval
Tangible Rewards
- Stickers and stamps
- Certificates and awards
- Tokens/points system
- Privilege passes
Activity Rewards
- Extra recess/free time
- Choose class activity
- Special helper roles
- Computer/game time
Cautions with Rewards
- Avoid over-reliance on extrinsic motivation
- Phase out tangible rewards over time
- Focus on intrinsic motivation as ultimate goal
- Reward effort and improvement, not just achievement
Student Engagement Strategies
Active Learning
Use hands-on activities, experiments, role-playing, and projects
Varied Instruction
Mix lectures with discussions, group work, and independent practice
Student Choice
Allow choices in topics, activities, or how to demonstrate learning
Relevance
Connect lessons to real-life situations and student interests
Questioning Techniques
Use open-ended questions, wait time, and call on various students
Cooperative Learning
Group work, peer tutoring, jigsaw activities
Handling Misbehavior
Prevention is Key
Most behavior problems can be prevented through good planning, engaging lessons, and positive relationships.
Intervention Strategies (Low to High)
Non-verbal: Eye contact, proximity, gesture
Verbal redirect: State the student's name, redirect attention
Private conversation: Quiet talk about behavior
Logical consequence: Related, reasonable consequence
Parent contact: Inform parents of ongoing issues
Office referral: For serious or persistent issues
What to Avoid
- Public humiliation
- Sarcasm or ridicule
- Yelling or losing temper
- Inconsistent consequences
- Punishing the whole class
Physical Environment
Seating Arrangements
- Rows: Traditional, good for lectures
- Clusters: For group work
- U-shape: For discussions
- Circle: For class meetings
Room Organization
- Clear traffic paths
- Easy access to materials
- Visibility of all students
- Posted rules and procedures
- Organized teacher desk/area