Keeping them on the edge of their seats - classroom management

Instructor, August, 1999 by Ann Gazin

... But not bouncing off the walls. What to do now to ensure stimulating learning all year

Picture your students sitting in neatly aligned rows. Their eyes are fixed upon you as you speak. There is no scuffling. There is no noise. Seem unlikely? While many of us wish for perfect order, a smoothly running classroom is often elusive.

But is a silent, well-oiled machine what we really want, after all? How do we maintain control in the classroom yet still give children the freedom to explore, create, and experiment? The key is keeping them actively engaged. By involving students in the rule-making process, addressing different learning styles, and being consistent and clear about behavior policies, we can prevent problems even when the classroom is a hive of activity.

Strike the Balance

We already know that too much stimulation can lead to chaos. But too much control can often rob youngsters of their innate curiosity and exuberance. Don Robertson, headmaster of the Walker School, in Marietta, Georgia, where I taught for several years, says, "Those teachers who suppress involvement to keep control aren't really in control at all. Instead, I marvel at those teachers who can silence a classroom when necessary with a look or a thought-provoking question. Keeping kids on the edge of their seats may be the best way to maintain order."

When a teacher is passionate about his or her subject matter, this enthusiasm is often infectious. If a teacher is bored, the students will sense it. If the teacher is learning along with the children, exploring and discovering, students will notice this, too.

Effective educators also experiment with alternative teaching methods to reach students with diverse intelligences. Walker School psychologist Neal Clark, M.A., says, "The more a teacher varies his or her methods to get all types of students involved, the fewer behavior problems he or she will encounter." For example, one of my students whose constant movement often disturbed his classmates seemed to me a kinesthetic learner. When I gave him the chance to move around in class by having him come to the board, letting him perform a skit, or allowing him to tap out the rhythm of a poem on his desk, his behavior improved. Being flexible and making compromises often brings success.

Set the Rules at the Start

From day one, communicate your behavior expectations clearly and explain why students need to abide by the rules. The "because I said so" response gives the impression that the teacher is being arbitrary. Students may be more inclined to break rules that make no sense. Instead, lead a discussion on the most important guidelines, encouraging students to discuss why they are necessary.

Indeed, many teachers involve students in the discipline process. Liz Meadows, a first-grade teacher, spends a portion of the first day of school having children create a list of the five most important classroom rules - for example: I keep my hands and feet to myself; I wait my turn; I am respectful in the halls; I am a good listener; and if I don't have anything nice to say, I say nothing at all. If a child breaks the same rule three times, Meadows writes a note home to the parents, first sharing it with the student. Next, the child and parents must work together to propose a solution to the problem. For instance, says Meadows, "I had a child who was so curious and eager, he was constantly interrupting both me and the other students. After discussing it with his parents, he decided he would close his eyes and count to 10 before speaking out. I think the solution worked because he was part of the process." When students feel they have helped to establish the rules, they are more invested in them.

After setting the rules, post them in a prominent place. Leila Wheeles, a middle- and upper-school teacher of French and English, posts a list of commonly asked questions for which the answer is always "No." If a child sees "Can I go to my locker?" followed by a prominent "No," he or she will be much less likely to seek an exception. Finally, don't spend the entire first day establishing your rules. Devote some time to exploring an exciting curricular topic to pique youngsters' interest in the learning ahead.

Consistency, Consistency

Perhaps as important as establishing rules is consistently enforcing them. Jennifer May, a high-school language teacher, says, "No matter how tired you are on a particular day or regardless of your mood, you simply cannot ignore behavioral problems in the classroom. You should try to confront the situation openly and directly. If other students see that you are serious about enforcing your rules, they will be less likely to test your limits." And test they will. For example, if on some days you let students have conversations among themselves during class, they will assume that this is acceptable every day. When you do address the behavior, the child whom you correct may feel he or she has been singled out unfairly.

Keep Your Cool

No matter how frustrated you become, you should never embarrass your students or use abusive language. Such tactics can have lasting effects on impressionable youngsters. Deliver feedback in a calm, even voice and focus on the behavior rather than on the child. For example, it is better to say to Sue, "Your talking is interrupting our class discussion" than "You are really annoying me today, Sue." It is easy to give students the impression that you don't like them or "have it in for" them, so avoid personal attacks. If you focus on concrete behavior patterns, such as interrupting or passing notes, children will understand more clearly how to correct the problem.