2d: Managing Student Behavior

In order for students to be able to engage deeply with content, the classroom environment must be orderly; the atmosphere must feel business-like and productive, without being authoritarian. In a productive classroom, standards of conduct are clear to students; they know what they are permitted to do and what they can expect of their classmates. Even when their behavior is being corrected, students feel respected; their dignity is not undermined. Skilled teachers regard positive student behavior not as an end in itself, but as a prerequisite to high levels of engagement in content.

Danielson, C. 2013

Artifact 2d-1: Senior Practicum Behavior Plan

At the beginning of my Senior Practicum, I observed and analyzed the current behavior plan in place for the first grade classroom. This assignment allowed me to reflect on the effectiveness and benefits of my mentor teachers' practices; I was also able to decide how/if I would implement the same techniques in my future classroom. For the most part, the money system and class vs. teacher run a business-like and professional classroom with clear standards for the students. From recent feedback, I would like to implement more clear and high expectations for my students before I begin teaching.

As I have taught for two full-days of the week this semester, I have had to intervene and de-escalate a few disruptive and disrespectful student behaviors. For example, when one student admitted to cursing in class, I asked him a few questions to reflect why this was disrespectful behavior. After I knew that he comprehended his mistake, I then asked what he thought would be a good punishment. This is when he gave me ten class-dollars (which is a pretty big deal in this environment). I have not seen this behavior continue.

Artifact 2d-2: 1st Grade Telling Time Lesson

This clip from my 30-minute lesson depicts expectations set for their behavior with the materials given (mini-analog clocks). This created a productive class period, and the standards of conduct were clear to the students. They know what they are permitted to do (and not to do) with their resources.