Classroom Settings

and ManagementDan Scanlon

Table of Contents

Classroom Settings: 3-8 Classroom Management: 9-14 Voki: 15 Extending Classroom Settings and Management: 16-18

Discipline : 19-23 Bullying: 24 Additional Resources: 25-26 Don’t Forget: 27 Summary: 28-29 Contact Info: 30

Classroom Settings

What are they? Day to day runnings of the classroom Includes things like the arrangement of desks and decorations on walls

Also includes procedural items such as what to do when handing in homework, when missing class, etc

Classroom Settings

Why are they important? Students need a routine to develop comfort in the classroom

A lack of routine causes many problems (not knowing when to hand things in, not knowing where to sit every day, etc)

It is hard to teach effectively when you are always altering classroom settings – consistency is key

Classroom Settings

What are some effective classroom settings? Assigned seats work for younger students, but older students may see it as a sign of respect if they can choose their own seats

Having a folder or box to put completed homework in helps students know where to put assignments

An “absent folder” containing handouts and assignments from previous days allows students who have missed class to easily catch up

Classroom Settings - Posters

Posters can do a number of things to a classroom

Makes the classroom more vibrant

Can be used to establish classroom rules and expectations

Can also have inspirational quotes to motivate students

Classroom Settings

Example Setups

This setting works well for a “traditional” classroom. The teacher’s desk works well in the back because it discourages cheating because students do not know where the teacher is looking.

This works well for class discussion as students face each other and the teacher’s desk is in the middle, serving as a moderator.

Classroom Settings

Example Posters

All of these posters either set up rules/expectations or are encouraging, which is needed in the classroom.

Classroom Management

What is it? How the classroom is run While classrooms settings are physical things, classroom management is more about policies

This includes what to do when students act out, late/absent policy, grading policies

Classroom Management

Why is it important? Helps develop rapport with students Establishes that the teacher should be treated with respect

Creates clear guidelines so students and parents know what to expect ahead of time

Classroom Management

How can a classroom be managed effectively? Write a comprehensive classroom management plan

Implement this plan on day 1 Don’t use absolutes (every time [blank] happens, you will be given a detention, when [blank] occurs, it will always result in a lowered grade)

This is because absolutes are hard to follow because every situation is different – go case by case instead

Classroom Management

A letter home is a good way to start a management plan

It allows parents to understand what their students need to do to succeed

Punishment isn’t addressed – it shows that it is expected that students will respect the plan

Classroom Management

Proximity Proximity is one of the best classroom management methods

When a student is acting out or talking, simply standing near them will make them stop

Classroom Management – In Practice

https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/new-teacher-classroom-management

This video follows a teacher explaining her classroom management strategy and shows it in practice

Voki

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=9633745&height=267&width=200

Vokis are online avatars that can be used to extend classroom management

Can remind students of homework, due dates, or anything else relating to the classroom

Extending Classroom Settings and Management

Extending Classroom Settings and Management

DigitalNatives1.docx

The above file (pictured on the left) features 12 educational applications

These applications allow students to continue learning outside the classroom

Extending Classroom Settings and Management

Using the services listed in the previous three slides, as well as many more, learning can happen beyond the classroom

These services allow students to track grades, submit assignments, check attendance, contact their teachers and classmates, etc

Involvement is increased when using these services

Discipline

Classroom management plans will not always be followed – which is where discipline comes in

Discipline is more than yelling at a student or giving them a detention

Outside help can be sought when disciplining a student, but only under certain circumstances

Discipline

Do’s Take the student outside of class if immediate issue

If not, wait until after class and talk to student privately

If the issue involves multiple students, talk to them separately to get differing perspectives and then bring them together if needed

Identify cause of problem and try to fix that Give appropriate punishment based on severity of situation (detention, call home, suspension, etc)

Seek outside help (only if necessary)

Discipline

Don’ts Do not use homework as a punishment – homework should reinforce lessons, not punish students

Do not discipline students in front of the entire class – that will embarrass the student

Do not yell – this shows that you cannot control the class

Do not assume to know why a student is acting out – they may have a home life you aren’t aware of

REMEMBER – regardless of how a student may act, they are almost never mad at YOU – they are just taking it out on you because you are the one talking to them

Discipline

When to seek outside help You should be able to handle difficult students on your own, but sometimes outside help is needed

Principal, nurse, guidance counselor, other teacher, parents/guardians

They can offer insight to factors in a students life (like parents and other teachers)

They can also offer support you aren’t trained for (guidance counselor)

Students tend to listen to the principal more because of their high ranking position – but this should be a LAST RESORT

Discipline Philosophy

It is more important to understand a student’s problem than to punish them

Typically, students act out because of something going on in their life, not just because they want to cause trouble

Fixing these problems may also eliminate discipline problems

When students truly do cause a problem, punishment is necessary

Punishment should be given out according to the management plan

Bullying

Bullying most certainly is a disciplinary issue Bullying, under no circumstances, should be tolerated

Something that MUST be addressed in a management plan

More information on bullying can be found on this PowerPoint: Bullying1.pptx

Additional Resources

scavenger hunt.docx The websites listed can help improve classroom settings, management, and discipline policies

They include education websites, like the NEA’s website, news websites, like CNN, and social media websites, like Pinterest

All of the websites have tips and advice from professionals above improving your classroom

Additional Resources

Don’t Forget…

Classroom settings, management, and discipline are all designed to create the best environment for you and the students

Every decision made regarding these subjects should improve the relationship between students and teachers

Summary

Classroom Settings and Management

Classroom settings – daily runnings of classroom

Includes arrangement of seats and posters on the walls

Classroom management – rules for classroom

Need to be established on day one and are best if set up on a case by case scenario

Extending Settings and Management

Online services (Moodle, Quizlet, Canvas, etc)

Allow students to track grades and contact teachers and other students

Allow for interaction outside of the classroom

Summary (cont)

Discipline

Adhere to management plan

Many do’s and don’ts to discipline

Goal shouldn’t be to punish student – it should be to understand cause of problem and fix it

Bullying absolutely cannot be tolerated

Dan Scanlon973-641-8907scanlond@rider.edu@scanlon_dandanscanlon.weebly.com

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