How can you prevent disruptive behavior in the classroom?
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As teachers, we’ve all encountered discipline issues in the classroom–it comes with the territory! Strong classroom management skills are one of the most important factors in becoming an effective teacher. Picture this: you’re teaching a lesson. Most of your students are on task, steadfastly writing their narrative essays, taking notes, or working on their math problems. You hear a whisper from the back of the room and see two heads bent together in private conversation. What to do next? Incorporate these next six tips into your classroom management routines to prevent these kinds of distractions. 1. Avoid calling attention to the disruption.What’s important in classroom management is to quickly redirect the students who are misbehaving while avoiding distracting the students who are on task. Calling students’ names in the middle of a lesson causes the entire class to pay attention to the few who are not on task. Instead, use a phrase to address the entire class, such as “Let’s stay focused” or “Eyes on your own papers.” “I need everyone to have their eyes on me” is another good phrase to use to signal to the distracted student that you are paying attention to their behavior. 2. Address off-task students privately.The key to effective teaching is to maintain respect between teachers and students. Embarrassing a student in front of the class might stop the behavior immediately but does very little to ensure that the behavior won’t occur again in the future. If the behavior doesn’t stop after your redirection phrase to the class, create a quick break in the lesson (perhaps while students are working independently) to quietly address the student personally with one of the redirection phrases. 3. Prompt the student to self-correct their behavior.Instead of issuing a command to an off-task student, turn your verbal redirection into a chance for the student to correct their behavior. For a student who is fiddling with their pencil, you might ask, “How should we be holding our pencil?” instead of “Stop that!” Phrasing redirections into a question prompts the student to think about their current action and how they can fix it. 4. Keep your eyes focused on the rest of the class.Notice a pattern? Effective classroom management means avoiding stopping your lesson at all costs while quietly addressing the distractive behavior. Use proximity to your advantage. During independent work, make your way over to the off-task students but keep your eyes forward on the class. The off-task students will look where you look and consequently get back on track. 5. Use nonverbal cues.Sometimes, nonverbal cues are best to avoid disrupting an entire class when only a few aren’t paying attention. A special clapping sequence that students are expected to repeat back is great for commencing a lesson for younger, elementary-aged students. For older students, having a “secret” hand sign between you and the individual student can work wonders. A student can then signal that they need a brain or bathroom break and eliminate negative behavior that can follow. 6. Provide consistent encouragement.Always end a student interaction on a positive note. After the student corrects their behavior, don’t forget to thank the student for getting back on task. A little encouragement goes a long way, and you’ll be sure to maintain positive relationships with all of your students. You’re a teacher for a reason, and although discipline issues are common in the classroom, they don’t decrease your love of your profession. With these six tips, you can decrease common disruptive behaviors and spend more time on what you love: teaching! Comments for Six Ways to Deal with Classroom DisruptionsExplore: At SchoolIt is important that both you and your students are familiar with the UH Hilo Student Conduct Code. Impermissible behavior includes behavior that interferes with or disrupts the processes of teaching, learning, research and administration. Preventing Disruptive BehaviorTo prevent disruptive behavior in the classroom, establish behavioral expectations at the beginning of the semester. State expectations regarding attendance, lateness, class participation, cheating and appropriate conduct in the course syllabus and discuss them at the outset of the term. Such explicit statements provide an opportunity for the instructor to underscore the importance of civility in the classroom—a reminder to students that the University expects respectful classroom behavior and has the prerogative to intervene and discipline when students behave disrespectfully and that students’ rights and privileges to learn in the classroom, free from disruption and harassment, will be protected. Handling Disruptive BehaviorIf you encounter a student who is disruptive, follow these procedures:
During the meeting, explain why you believe their behavior is disrupting the learning environment in your classroom. Politely ask the student to stop this behavior. Then ask the student to explain their behavior. Ask if they accept responsibility for the problematic conduct. Listen carefully, for the student might cite any number of reasons, including serious health concerns, personal problems, or provocative behavior on the part of other students. While health conditions do not condone the behavior, you might be able to direct the students to a campus resource, such as Counseling Services (/studentaffairs/counseling/), for assistance. Advise the student that if the disruptive conduct continues, you will refer them to the Director of Student Conduct for disciplinary action, which may result in sanctions such as probation or suspension.
Campus Security will remove the student from the classroom. If necessary, Campus Security will contact the police. Consider adjourning the class session or taking a short break if a student must be removed from the classroom. Contact the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Dr. Chris Holland to report the incident. This will initiate the judicial process and sanctions will be imposed if the student is found responsible for violating the Student Conduct Code.
How can disruptive Behaviour be reduced in the classroom?What to do. Be steady, consistent and firm.. Acknowledge the feelings of the individual.. Remember that disruptive behavior is often caused by stress or frustration.. Address the disruption individually, directly and immediately.. Be specific about the behavior that is disruptive and set limits.. How can you prevent distractions in the classroom?Minimize Distractions
Turn off your cellphone and avoid using your computer during class time. Post a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your classroom door during important activities such as tests or exercises that require a great deal of concentration.
How can you prevent disruptions in your school?One of the most significant ways to prevent disruptions is to individualize engagement for students. Engaging students with meaningful activities and allowing them to take ownership in their learning will help cut down on disruptive behavior.
Which strategies would you recommend to prevent challenging and disruptive behaviors in your classroom?Five strategies for reducing challenging behavior. Change the setting. ... . Respond calmly. ... . Teach alternate behaviors. ... . Give your students choice. ... . Notice the positive, and offer students encouragement. ... . Practice consistency in your classroom.. |
