Ways to Handle School Behavior Problems
Behavior management is one of the toughest challenges that teachers face in school. Being able to manage the class is key to facilitating learning, and teachers are evaluated on behavior management strategies as well as teaching skill. Although most teachers have their own systems that work in their classroom, there are a few basic strategies that will set the groundwork for positive behavior.
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Show Examples of Appropriate Behavior
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One of the best ways to manage problem behavior is to highlight and show examples of appropriate behavior. Teach appropriate behavior and use a point system and award points for positive behavior in the class. Not only do students need to know how to behave but they also need to know when to use the new skills, says the Institute of Education Sciences report, "Reducing Behavior Problems in the Elementary School Classrooms." The student who has earned the most point in a week becomes the star student for the class. Post a picture of the star student on the bulletin board. You can also reward the students with small gifts or allow them to trade their points for items in a class store.
Redirect the Misbehavior
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Enthusiastically acknowledge the appropriate behavior with verbal praise, but use a plain, even tone to correct inappropriate behavior. Don't give the misbehaving student an audience. Quietly signal the student or have a private discussion. Never embarrass the student. Reprimand the student and move on.
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Explain Rules
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Explain rules and expectations early in the school year and throughout the class. Rules apply to everyone in the class; therefore, you must be careful to fairly penalize students who break the rules. Behavior problems tend to escalate when students feel they are not being treated fairly. Post the rules and penalties. Take extra care to monitor infractions, and do not create rules you are unable to enforce.
Assign Seats
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Give students assigned seating during the first week of school and make sure they sit in the correct seat. Create a seating chart and check it daily. Assign new seats to students who misbehave. Move students who antagonize others or who do not pay attention. Make the seating chart available to substitute teachers.
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References
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