How to Handle Students in the Classroom

Classroom management requires assertiveness and authority.

One of the keys to achieving good classroom management is to try to meet the individual learning needs of the students, recognising that one approach does not fit all. Disorder can occur in the classroom for a number of reasons: poor concentrations levels leading to poor engagement; lack of understanding of the lesson; hyperactive behavior disorders; or unclear boundaries set by the teacher.



It is no easy task for the teacher to achieve a balance between asserting her authority, and being flexible enough so that each student feels included in the group, and it largely involves equal measures of assertiveness and being approachable.

Instructions

1. Command the attention of each student before beginning the lesson. Make sure there is no chatter or playing going on in the room while you are about to start. Each student's attention should be focused on you, ready for the lesson to begin.

2. Tell the students what you are going to teach them in today's lesson. Then teach them, and afterwards, ask them to recap what they have just learned. This maintains their attention throughout, and it lets them know exactly what to expect from the lesson and what is expected from them. Give instructions at regular periods throughout the lesson to keep their engagement from wavering.

3. Walk around the classroom regularly to make sure that you know what all the students are doing. This keeps their attention on you, and it makes it difficult for them to get distracted in passing notes or other kinds of mischief that students do when the teacher's back is turned.

4. Ask the students to participate. Have them come up to the chalkboard and write parts of the lesson on it. This will lessen the chance that they will become distracted while you are conducting the lesson single-handedly from the front of the classroom.

5. Notice how your voice sounds. The Honor Level website explains that students have to pay closer attention to hear what a teacher with a softer voice is saying. A harsh, over-loud voice is likely to irritate them. Explain the lesson clearly and with enthusiasm. This will inspire enthusiasm in the students, who are learning about something new.

6. Monitor any disruptive behavior, and when the time is right, respond to it in an assertive, controlled manner. Use a firm tone of voice, remind the student about disciplinary procedures for classroom disruption, which may include extra homework, detention, informing parents, or taking the student to the principal's office.

7. Praise the students for doing well. Conversely, be honest with students who are being disruptive by explaining the impact that their behaviour is having on the class and on your ability to teach. This works toward making them take responsibility for their actions and helps them to learn that their actions impact on other people.

References

• Honor Level: "Discipline by Design"

Resources

• Classroom Management: A Survival Guide; Konza, Grainger, Bradshaw; 2006