How to Change a Classroom Practice

Teachers must be willing to make changes when necessary.

Teaching is sometimes a series of trials and errors. Because every group of students can be so different, a teacher cannot treat every class the same exact way and must know when to make a change. Look at each day as a new opportunity to make adjustments and move forward, but make sure you don't make changes lightly.

Things You'll Need

• Addendum
• Online survey

Instructions

1. Decide if a practice is not working. Be consistent as a teacher. Address the issue, and move forward. Identify why the practice is not working and how to remedy it. Some changes that need to be made are obvious because students are frustrated or the class is not under control. But changes that should be made to develop your growth as a teacher are not as readily apparent. Consult online sources such as questionnaires, since it is not always easy to look at ourselves objectively. Answering directed questions such as: "How often to you ask for student feedback?" or "Is your instruction student-centered or teacher-centered?" can lead you to rethink your methodology in the classroom.

2. Determine how to implement the change. Does a new rule need to be added? Should you use a different method to teach a concept? Be sure to think about all of the details surrounding a change. For example, if you need to limit hall passes, you must determine how often students can leave and for what reasons. If you need to incorporate more hands-on activities, you must decide how and when to add them.

3. Inform the class. Make an addendum if a rule has changed. If the adjustment affects how you will actually teach something, you should discuss this with the class. Make sure your students are aware. It is often necessary to make modifications to procedures and practices, but give students an opportunity to adjust before you make them.

4. Implement the change. Be consistent. Once your decision is made, stick with it and follow it through. Although changes can be made, if they are made too often, you can appear inconsistent. Remember, if a teaching strategy is changed, give yourself an opportunity to evaluate the actual results. Student scores, class participation, and classroom management are areas that the teacher can examine to assess the effect of the new practice. Get feedback from students as another method to determine if the new way is working. Teachers are there to help students, and their opinion can often shed light on the situation.

Tips & Warnings

• When a rule is changed, or a classroom policy for the entire class, put the new procedure in writing and require students to have their parents sign it. Keep the signatures on file in the event of a future question.

References

• Classroom Connections: Evaluating Your Classroom and Implementing Change