Evolution of Classroom Management

4 Stage One: Survival –The inability to anticipate problems Student misbehaviors and attitudes Physical environment Technical problems Classroom dynamics

Evolution of Classroom Management 4 Student Misbehaviors and Attitudes: –Illegally copying software –Denying teacher access to student work –Sabotaging other student’s work –Copying or stealing other’s work –Shutting down network services

Evolution of Classroom Management 4 Student Misbehaviors and Attitudes: –Unwilling to work with paper and pencil –Resisted moving from computer to other non- computer activities –Host of new excuses for not getting work done on time

Physical Environment –Glare on screen from windows –Chalk dust in equipment –Power outages –Crashes from extremes in weather –Extra time setting up equipment or rearranging for special assignments –Clutter caused by additional equipment –More crowded classroom

Technical Problems –Hardware shutdowns/slowdowns/malfunctions –Printers not able to serve everyone at the same time –Software incompatibility between computers or printers –Sheer number of software programs to manage –No technical expertise for most teachers

Classroom Dynamics –Increased noise level –Necessity of students to move about freely –Knowing less about the technology than the students –Facilitates independent learning

Evolution of Classroom Management 4 Stage Two: Mastery –Anticipate and plan for problems: Design consequences for improper student behavior –Individually confronting cheaters –Class discussions on ethics –Grading penalties

Evolution of Classroom Management 4 Stage Two: Mastery –Anticipate and plan for problems: Rearranging classroom furniture Systems for organizing software, printers, paper,etc. Glare-proof window film, static-free carpet, and white boards Develop rules for printing

Evolution of Classroom Management 4 Stage Two: Mastery –Anticipate and plan for problems: Develop alternate lesson plans for times computers are down Enlist student help to maintain equipment Teachers develop own technology expertise

Evolution of Classroom Management 4 Stage Three: Impact Develop techniques for monitoring student –Databases, spreadsheets, grading programs Used network more effectively Create better (and more time effective) lessons Employed students as “expert peer teachers” Classrooms become “learner centered” Increased student motivation Student exhibit more pride in work

Evolution of Classroom Management 4 Summary: –As classroom contexts change, so do management issues and skills –Educational change takes time (from 3 to 5 years typically before change is substantially noticeable) –Teacher change is not unidirectional…everyone changes at his or her own pace