Respond appropriately to minor classroom disruptions.
Effective classroom-management strategies are essential to the success of any teacher. Teachers must know how the handle disruptive students while managing to keep the class under control and deliver the lesson. While there are some major problems that can erupt in the classroom, such as fighting, there are also minor distractions -- such as talking, students getting out of their seat without permission and gum-chewing -- that if not handled properly could take the entire class off track. When handled properly, minor problems can be extinguished quickly and without disrupting the lesson.
Instructions
1. Ignore the disruption. Sometimes students act out with the express purpose of trying to disrupt the lesson. Other times, a disruption is unintentional as in the case of a student so eager to answer that she speaks without raising her hand. In either case, stopping to address the issue may cause further distraction -- so it may be best to let it slide and move on with the lesson. Be careful when using this tactic, however, because you do not want to give students the idea that you are unaware of inappropriate behavior.
2. Circulate the room. Sometimes walking around the classroom is enough to discourage inappropriate behavior. Stand near the student causing the disruption and he most likely will correct his behavior.
3. Give a firm look to the misbehaving student. Some students can be discouraged from misbehavior with a simple look from the teacher. A stern look lets her know that her deeds have been seen and are unacceptable.
4. Verbally address the student causing the disruption. Calling on the student who is being disruptive will often distract him from his behavior. Call on him to answer a question or ask about his thoughts on the class discussion. Once the attention of the entire class has shifted to him, he will be more prone to correct his behavior and pay attention. This especially works on students acting up out of boredom. In those cases, involving them in the lesson is enough to encourage good behavior.
5. Enforce a consequence. If all else fails, enforce a predetermined consequence on the disruptive student. Teachers should always go over rules and consequences with the class at the beginning of the school year. In the case of a minor disruption, the consequence might be something as simple as removing the child from the activity or detention. More serious infractions might require a call home or a parent-teacher conference.
Tags: causing disruption, correct behavior, entire class, handled properly, inappropriate behavior, student causing, student causing disruption