Instruction
Classroom Management
Student Feedback
July 17
Establish norms from day one and be consistent. Students are more likely to cooperate
when they are invited to be part of the process of determining the culture of the class,
however, there should never be any doubt that the teacher is the adult and that certain
expectations are non-negotiable. Students need and want the teacher to be in control
of the class so that they know that the classroom is a safe place where they can take
risks. This means that teachers also need to take risks. Identify the students who
seem most likely to pose problems to establishing a stable learning environment as
early as possible and make it a point to choose that battle with a proactive
spirit. Try not to avoid it, put it off, or pass it on. You can send a student
to the CFCs but the issues are ultimately between the teacher and the student
and the teacher and student must come to a mutual understanding. Students need
to know that teachers are allies who expect them to do well.
June 12
Use judgment when calling for assistance. Remember, there is a difference between
uncontrollable and uncooperative.
April 10
I highly recommend the Cooperative Discipline Workshops led by Richard Asztalos at
Unified Student Services. I particularly find useful the "Procedures" component that he
does using Harry Wong. (I think you can borrow the video he uses from Campbell).
April 7
Never! Never! Leave your classroom to chase a student who was disruptive. Call for help
by using the buzzer or ask for help from a teacher on hall duty.