- A sound theoretical foundation and understanding of classroom management and the needs for students.
- Strong, positive teacher-student and peer relationships.
- Instructional methods that motivate students
- Organizational and group management techniques that maximize student “on-task” behaviors.
- Problem-solving and behavior management techniques that empower students to assume responsibility for managing their own behavior.
The Social Skills Taught In a Well Managed Classroom
- Following Instructions
- Accepting Criticism or Consequences
- Accepting “No” for an Answer
- Greeting Others
- Getting the Teacher’s Attention
- Disagreeing Appropriately
- Making an Apology
- Accepting Compliments
- Having a Conversation
- Asking for Help
- Asking Permission
- Staying on Task
- Sharing with Others
- Working with Others
- Listening to Others
- Using an Appropriate Voice Tone
- Minding Your Own Business
Traditional vs. Boys Town Well-Managed Classroom
Traditional Behavior Management
- Views the student as the problem
- Attempts to fix the student’s flaws
- Attempts to simply extinguish the inappropriate behavior
- Condones aversive approaches
- Takes a quick-fix approach
- Requires a specialist and a different setting
- Is caused by rigid systems
Boys Town Well Managed Classroom Educational Model
- Focuses on the environments, examples, and skill deficits rather than the student as the problem.
- Attempts to develop skills for the student that will help him or her be successful in many environments.
- Teaches replacement behaviors and helps to create positive experiences.
- Encourages positive approaches.
- Is an ongoing process.
- Has flexibility that enhances implementation.
A Well Managed Classroom Has Planned Teaching:
- Introduce the Skill ex. “Where do you stand when you are getting ready to walk in line?”
- Describe Appropriate Behavior ex. “When you walk in line, you should walk in a straight line, keep your hands and feet to yourself, keep up with the group, and be quiet.”
- Give a Reason ex. “When we walk in line this way, we are less likely to disturb other classes.”
- Practice ex. “Now we will practice walking in line to art class.”
A Well Managed Classroom Has Corrective Strategies:
- “Cool-down” Time ex. “Take a few minutes in the back of the class to gather your thoughts.”
- Coupling Statements ex. “Instead of yelling, try lowering your voice.”
- Reality Statement/Reasons ex. “When you yell, other students cannot concentrate on their work.”
- Empathy ex. “I see you are frustrated with the assignment.”
- Specific Praise ex. “I see how much effort you have put into planning the project.”
- Use Praise or Empathy ex. “I know you would really like to work with your friends.”
- Describe the Inappropriate Behavior ex. “When I told you, ‘No, this assignment needs to be completed alone; you started telling me that I was unfair and walked away.”
- Describe the Appropriate Behavior ex. “Instead, you should accept ‘No” by saying “Okay” and talk to me about it later if you disagree,”
- Give a Reason ex. “When you accept a ‘No’ answer that way, people might be more willing to listen to your concerns.”
- Practice ex. We can talk about how to accept ‘No’ after class.”
- Negative Consequences
Brentwood Middle School Benefits of a Well-Managed Classroom
- Fewer office referrals
- Consistent framework by teaching behavior expectations
- Positive learning environment and decrease in problematic behaviors
- Increase in opportunities to make positive reports to parents
Classroom Benefits of a Well-Managed Classroom School Wide
- Less time spent correcting behaviors, more time spent on academics
- Successful resolution of problem by student while in the classroom
- Better relationship among students, teachers, parents, administrators
- Consistent system with clear expectations