subject: Maintaining Control In The Classroom By Tackling Misbehavior [print this page] Gaining control in a chaotic classroom can be one of the biggest challenges that face new teachers (or even those teachers that are considered to be 'old vets'). If your classroom environment is beginning to make you feel like more of an underpaid babysitter than the educational professional that you have worked so hard to be, you need to learn some steps to take control and maintain control of your classroom and the students in it. Even if you can stomach the bedlam and utter anarchy that can ensue when students "run wild", other students that are not participating in the unruly madness are being affected - and it is your responsibility to provide a positive atmosphere that promotes learning.
When Students Go "Wild"
Developing the skills that are needed when your classroom is in a state of pandemonium can be a process of trial and error. Learning to act in lieu of reacting is a fundamental part of gaining and keeping the control that you need. When one student is causing a commotion or being unruly, the behavior that you exhibit must make a statement that they understand (in no uncertain terms) - or you will never be the master of your classroom. These steps will help you "show them whose boss" without allowing misbehavior to dictate the entire classroom session - and thus affecting other students. Begin by:Pausing. Stop what you are doing and either step towards the student physically or veer toward the direction of the student(s) that is being disorderly. This is often enough to let the student know that you have noticed the bad behavior and that you disapprove.Make and hold eye contact with the student in question. (This also works for students who are being inattentive during a presentation or lecture).Call on the student and ask a simple question about the material that is being presented or the topic being worked on that day. "James, can you please tell us which state was the last to secede?" This lets the student know that you are willing to move on and are giving them the opportunity to get back on the same "page" as the rest of the class.If this fails, approach the student and touch the student on the forearm. Ask the student in a calm voice if they would like to behave - or would they prefer another option of your choice (leave the room, go to the principal's office, sit in time out, etc.). Allow the student a choice. If the student elects to behave, follow up by sending them to the office, sitting them in time out, etc., if they fail to honor that choice. Don't give second chances.For chronic bad behavior, pull the student aside and talk with them (preferably with the guidance counselor or principal) assertively about your expectations for your classroom and how they are falling short of what you demand from your students. Develop a plan with the student to correct the behavior. If the turmoil continues, it is time to speak with the student's parents, either in person or via a telephone conference.Monkey See, Monkey DoIt's certainly one thing to have a student or two acting up, but when it appears that the whole class is acting up, it's a whole new ballgame. Even though you may be paralyzed with frustration when you feel like nearly all your students are out of order, you CAN take control of the situation. Begin by pausing. Tell the student to stop everything that they are doing. State the problem. "Your behavior is not acceptable based on the guidelines and rules that each of you are aware of". Ask each student to place their heads on their desks. Try to determine who the main perpetrator(s) of the commotion is and send the child or children to the principal's office.by: Jennifer Dobson
