TEFL Richardson Texas

Handling misbehavior in individual students or a classroom is part of classroom management but effective management of the class should pre-empt the need for outright discipline of unruly students. Classroom management is any rule, policy or behavior (student or teacher) that keeps the class productively focused on its goals. Overall, misbehavior tends to come more often from young learners and teenagers. However, even adults can display disruptive behaviors. Not all anti-social or disruptive behaviors are raucous as would be expected of teenagers but can be passive instead. There are many possible behaviors that would be considered disruptive and as many if not more ideas on how to manage and respond to them; too many to cover in this short essay. Perhaps the most important thing for teachers facing discipline problems is that they remain cool and compassionate towards the trouble maker. Problems like this tend to arise from circumstances in the lives of these students that exist outside the classroom, usually from their home or work environments. This kind of misbehavior has very little to do with the teacher and it should never be taken personally. In a class with good behavioral rules that are consistently reinforced by the teacher, misbehavior will be the exception to the rule of good behavior. But what do we need to do to maintain a productive environment in the classroom? One way is to establish a set of ground rules at the start of the class, keep them posted and have each student agree to the rules, which should be simple and broad and establish consequences for consistent misbehavior. Some ideas for behavior codes follow: For the teacher • I will do my best to help you learn the language • I will always try to encourage you even when correcting mistakes • I will be on time • I will return assignments quickly • I will treat student with respect at all times For the student • I will work hard to learn english • I will not be disruptive in class • I will be ontime • I will raise my hand to speak (unless this rule has been suspended for an activity) • I will treat my teacher and fellow students with respect at all times Setting up rules is important because it establishes the authority of the teacher in the class room. Authority is also important and it is not established simply by posting rules. Any transgression of the class rules should be addressed quickly, seriously and gently. Students should never be yelled at or humiliated, just respectfully told that they have broken the rule they agreed to and admonished that continuing such behavior will result in consequences. It is important to be matter of fact about it rather than expressing any emotional disapproval. Then return to the lesson. It's not just a troubled student that can cause a class to go off the rails. A de-motivated class can appear bored, uncooperative or unresponsive, which could be misinterpreted as bad behavior. In fact 75% of bad behavior has been attributed to academic failure – in other words they have not achieved critical milestones in the learning process. The teacher must be vigilant to make sure that students are learning. If they are not engaged and enjoying their experience they will disengage from the learning process. This is a critical aspect of classroom management and it is the responsibility of the teacher to make sure that students are engaged, having fun and ‘getting it.' So how do we keep students interested? Here are some simple ideas to help keep order and interest high in the classroom. 1. Establish your role as teacher. In the eyes of the student you are, first and foremost, their teacher. While there is nothing wrong with being friendly, you do not want to be seen as their friend. It is important to maintain your authority as the teacher, while still being relaxed and friendly. Establish the rules of conduct early and be consistent and firm with students who misbehave. 2. Show some interest and get to know your students. Take some time before and after class to engage with student in informal conversation, Ask them about their interests and activities and how they are doing with the lessons or if they need help with anything. Be approachable and ready to listen. During class, use student's names and look them in the eye when talking. 3. Praise and encourage effort, excellence and good behavior If a student is not be ‘getting it' but is trying, that should be encouraged and acknowledged. When a student makes a mistake and you are offering correction and they are working with you a comment like, ‘nice work,' or ‘good effort' can be very encouraging to all the students. Excellence and good behavior also deserve to be acknowledged. 4. Keep your teaching style interesting and varied Don't rely on the same kind of lesson plans and activities too much. Students will get bored and loose interest and try to design activities and lessons around things you know your student are interested in.