The 1, 2, 3’s and A, B, C’s of Classroom Management

100 beginning teachers were surveyed and asked the question: In what areas do you feel you would like guidance? 3. How to plan lessons 2. Staying on top of everything 1. Classroom management (Gordon and Butters, 2003) The top three answers are … 2

1.Invites students to learn Why is great classroom management important? 2.Increases positive student behavior 3.Prepares students to survive and thrive in society 3

inviting and sincere verbal comments  “I appreciate your help.”  “How can I help you?” inviting personal behaviors  smiling and listening  thumbs up or high five an inviting physical environment  live plants  nicely decorated walls inviting thoughts (self-talk)  “Making mistakes is OK.”  “I am a patient person.” 1.Invite students to learn with (Wong, 1998) 4

2. Increase positive student behavior by… Addressing students by name. Saying “please” and “thank you.” Having a controlled, disarming smile. Being lovable and capable and showing empathy when necessary. (Wong, 1998) 5

Subject matter is certainly an important part of teaching; so is preparing students to survive and thrive in the kind of society in which they will live. 3. Preparing students to thrive in society involves teaching… Responsibility Cooperation Courage Self-esteem 6

Responsibility Democracy demands that its members make decisions and accept responsibility for the consequences of those decisions. Cooperation In a democracy, the student who can cooperate with others in any enterprise is far more likely to survive and thrive. Courage A student’s courage enables him to try, fail and try again, until he masters the challenges life poses. Self-esteem A student with high self-esteem sees herself as a capable human being who has a good opportunity to succeed at challenges. (Popkin, 1994) Why teachers help prepare students to survive and thrive in the kind of society in which they will live. 7

A.Productive environment B.Positive classroom atmosphere C.Cooperative, respectful, and on task students What does great classroom management look like? 8

A.Productive environment Seating Students are placed in seats where they can best learn science. (Easily distracted students and needy students sit near the teacher.) Organization A system of procedures are in place and executed by students knowing what to do when. Planning Teacher operates with a sense of purpose in the classroom. Engaging Students are engaged in the learning activity. 9

B.Positive classroom atmosphere Attribution Students can recognize his/her strengths and operate with a can do attitude. Encouragement Teacher encourages students to meet challenges and exceed expectations. Collaboration Students help each other to learn while participating in constructivist learning activities. 10

C.Cooperative, respectful, and on task students Cooperation Students are following the class guidelines. Respect Student discourse is positive. On Task Students are interested and focused on the assignment. 11