Putting a Stop to Classroom Behavior Problems
Students often cause a lot of problems when it comes to building classroom discipline. While some are content with just staying quiet and keeping still, some are more prone to cause havoc by chatting nonstop, insulting the instructor and going around the room causing disarray . When this occurs , educators often commit a serious blunder : screaming and instilling fear
in the kids just to get them to stay silent . However , while this might seem to succeed momentarily , this would only result to worse conduct in the long run. To control classroom behavior problems, here are a few classroom management techniques:
First, since students have very short attention spans and have the tendency to be bored in their seats, educators must create ways to make their lessons fun and exciting, preferably with activities that would entail the class to stand up and move about. Educational games or conducting plays is a good way to make them understand the various subjects while keeping them occupied .
Secondly, who does not want a good laugh? An hour long of discussions tend to be boring and irritating , so humor is always a sure fire way to get the kids’ attention. Catch them by surprise and insert a funny line or two while in the middle of a lecture , and children are more likely to perk up and listen . If you make the atmosphere warm and fun , even the usually introverted kids might start speaking up and contribute in the discussions.
Humor is also a better technique to confront mischievous students. Instead of frightening them, you can ease the tension by giving the circumstance more positive energy. Poke fun at their antics and get the whole class to relax and laugh with you. But , you must always remember not to come off as too silly , because showing this kind of weakness will make children suspect your credibility as an teacher .
Third, you must become a teacher that kids can look up to. Be cool , unruffled and confident and students will start to admire you. Take an interest in their lives and remember their unique traits – if one child likes gadgets and computers, ask for their opinion on what sort of notebook to buy; if another likes cooking, lend him a recipe book that your wife recommends. You do not have to be young to be cool, and as long as you can show the kids that you also have some of the same interests that they have, you can show them that you can be a friend and a teacher at the same time. However, you have to make sure that you are a good role model, because students have the inclination to mirror the qualities of the teachers they like.
Being an educator is not easy, but it does not mean that you have to stress yourself out just to promote good behavior. While the above classroom management techniques would help you improve your interaction with your students, it should not end there. If you maintain a firm attitude in promoting classroom discipline, sooner or later, your students would start realizing how much of a wonderful teacher you are.
