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Posted on October 19, 2015 3:35 am
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Jamika Harvey
Jamika Harvey
Reps: 78
The Bad Class
You have one class on the team that all teachers struggle to manage the behavior of. The principal visited your classroom and sympathized with you. The class is talkative and spends a lot of time bickering back and forth. The majority of class time is spent diffusing behavior problems. Twenty to thirty minutes into class, you can finally start teaching. What do you do?
 
     
     
 
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Solution 1
Posted October 19, 2015 3:45 am

ypyPuT
ypyPuT
Reps: 126
Hello Jamika,
It seems that this teacher needs to go back to basics with her students. According to "conscious discipline" it is absolutely necessary that students are provided procedures, strategies for resolving conflict, and given a family atmosphere in which they feel safe to learn. I would begin by re-establishing the procedures in the classroom and explicitly stating and explaining the expectations that you have for them behaviorally and academically. Next, I would teach specific conversational skills that help students resolve conflict with each other instead of responding violently. Finally, I would come up with classroom chants and routines that build a sense of family and togetherness and create a healthy sense of community.
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edeBaS
edeBaS
Reps: 200
I would go over the rules as if it were the first day. Set high expectations for these students. They need to know and understand you are the leader, not them!
Remember, you are in control!!
  Posted on: February 26, 2016 5:15 pm

Kady Schlemmer
Kady Schlemmer
Reps: 202
This is a very thorough solution. It is very helpful.
  Posted on: July 9, 2016 6:24 pm

LuLyHa
LuLyHa
Reps: 226
If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this.
  Posted on: July 10, 2016 6:14 pm

rybuZy
rybuZy
Reps: 200
Right. A comfortable atmosphere will help them learn.
  Posted on: October 16, 2017 2:56 am

ePuzej
ePuzej
Reps: 200
I agree with this. Revisiting expectations for the classroom seems like it would be beneficial here.
  Posted on: February 19, 2019 3:20 pm

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Solution 2
Posted October 19, 2015 3:09 pm

yZytaz
yZytaz
Reps: 201
In a situation like this I would try to reward the students that are doing the right thing instead of always talking about what they are doing wrong. Once you give praise to another student others might see the good comments you are saying to him/her and follow the good student. It might allow some change in environment and change in behavior.
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ezyHes
ezyHes
Reps: 101
It's been said that positive re-enforcement and pivoting to another student who is doing well, should create a change in behaviors, so I would have to agree with this one.
  Posted on: March 4, 2016 2:43 am

rybuZy
rybuZy
Reps: 200
Right. Positivity beats negativity hands down.
  Posted on: October 16, 2017 2:56 am

buQyme
buQyme
Reps: 115
Positivity will always outweigh the negativity that can and will be brought into the classroom.
  Posted on: February 22, 2019 5:14 pm

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Solution 3
Posted October 31, 2015 9:44 pm

apePev
apePev
Reps: 79
I have personally experienced this issue. What I learned was that students are highly influenced by peers. Usually in a class like this there is one or maybe a few students who we would consider the "ring leaders". These students usually stir the pot and get the rest of the class going. If you can decipher which student the others look to a a "leader", and minimize their ability to interact with other students, the rest of the class tends to fall in line. Whether it be creating distance with seating arrangements, or removal via your discipline plan, controlling the behavior of that student usually makes a difference.
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Solution 4
Posted February 29, 2016 2:14 am

XaSaPe
XaSaPe
Reps: 200
I would meet with the other teachers on the team and discuss your team rules. All of you need to be on the same page or the classroom management is not going to work. I would then go in the next day and start by reviewing the rules with the class, be firm but nice. I think the key is consistency
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Solution 5
Posted February 23, 2016 10:03 pm

Chelsea
Chelsea
Reps: 103
It seems like there are some serious classroom management issues that need to be solved. My advice to you is to start fresh, and introduce a new behavior system for the students to follow. Perhaps you could set up "EARN" points which allow the students to participate in fun activities during the end of class on Friday. This gives the student something positive to work towards.
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Solution 6
Posted February 22, 2016 2:48 pm

zyWute
zyWute
Reps: 201
You come up with a incentive program, that you know will motivate the students in a positive way. Tell your students about the program and chart the results.
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Solution 7
Posted February 28, 2016 5:21 pm

Charity Knowles
Charity Knowles
Reps: 200
I would spend time going back to the basics like someone else suggested with classroom procedures and rules. I would also find what motivates the students to work. I think setting up clear consequences for actions may help with behaviors. Also having a meeting with the team and individually reviewing each student and figuring out their particular behavior and methods the team can use to deal with each one will help as well.
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Solution 8
Posted February 22, 2016 7:58 pm

Victoria Horn
Victoria Horn
Reps: 201
I would make sure to have a behavioral class management plan. I would have bellwork and warm ups on the board ready for students to do before they enter the classroom. This way they are busy and won't talk.
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Solution 9
Posted October 4, 2016 4:46 pm

upyRyX
upyRyX
Reps: 185
One thing that I might try is arranging their desks into a horseshoe shape, this way I could see who was talking while I was teaching.
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Solution 10
Posted February 29, 2016 2:29 am

uJasuX
uJasuX
Reps: 203
Set up a point system in which the whole class earns points for good behavior toward an activity or pizza party. This may help to create more of a community feel in the classroom.
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Solution 11
Posted October 9, 2016 9:39 pm

qyryMa
qyryMa
Reps: 203
First and foremost you need to teach your students your rules and procedures during the first week of school. You want to continue to implement those rules through out the year. I would also suggest you have plenty of assignments for them so they don't have any down time.
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Solution 12
Posted February 21, 2017 2:59 am

uQaMeV
uQaMeV
Reps: 200
I would ask the principal to help maybe moving the students to different classes or adding a assistant to help in the classroom. I think also if the principal knows about the situation of the classroom she/he can either suspend some of the ring leaders that are instigating the bad behaviors.
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Solution 13
Posted February 25, 2016 11:54 pm

aNaQev
aNaQev
Reps: 201
Establishing a set routine and classroom rule list is an important strategy to regaining control.
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Solution 14
Posted February 25, 2016 11:58 pm

MaXuDe
MaXuDe
Reps: 200
While it may be one class that seems to have behavioral issues, usually there is a ring leader to be found that sets the bad behavior and the other students find a reason to follow. With these types of students i have found that finding ways to get them engaged in the class in a way that gives them responsibilities makes a big difference. I would say to try and find the ring leaders of the classroom and find ways to get them acting in a way that promotes learning and fun at the same time because usually boredom is the ignitor for bad behavior.
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Solution 15
Posted February 26, 2016 5:58 am

eQyVuj
eQyVuj
Reps: 200
I would have the teacher go back and review her classroom management plan, and create one that fits the needs of the classroom. The teacher needs to show control over the classroom.
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Solution 16
Posted March 1, 2016 4:12 am

aryBaV
aryBaV
Reps: 125
Like many of the posts that are here, it all goes back to the basics and implementing classroom management and consequences. The rule of thumb is not to smile until after December, and as harsh or cliché that may seem I think that It holds a lot of weight. The students needs to taught right away that this kind of behavior just is not going to happen. Now, in this situation I would literally go back to the basics of kindergarten, a note home, have them move a card give them real consequences throughout the day without letting anything get by.
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Solution 17
Posted October 3, 2016 5:12 am

Chanell Wolski
Chanell Wolski
Reps: 200
The teacher hasn't adapted his/her classroom management plan to fit the student's needs. First and foremost I would have a group discussion with my students about their actions and choices. After, I would revisit the basics and take the time to go over the rules with my students again. This time modified. They would have a rewards-based system in place (like earning paper pennies) in order to encourage positive behavior. they would also have a consequences chart that tracked their progress and explained the consequences they would receive should they misbehave. (I believe in the 3 strikes and you're out rule). If the students have structure, know what is expected and know that they have to deal with the consequences they are more likely to cooperate and help create a positive adn productive classroom environment.
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Solution 18
Posted October 3, 2016 8:24 pm

PumuMu
PumuMu
Reps: 203
You will get the hang of it
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Solution 19
Posted October 7, 2016 10:05 pm

uzyXuV
uzyXuV
Reps: 208
Start a new behavior plan.I would start by telling students you are making new rules for the class because of the time that is spent with behavior problems. Go over explicitly what the new rules are and have them printed for the class to sign as well as their parents. When students act up give the fair warning and then find who is the ring leader for the misbehavior and follow through with the consequences for breaking the rules.
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Solution 20
Posted October 8, 2016 3:40 am

yHaReH
yHaReH
Reps: 209
It is important to invest in time for providing a solid classroom management foundation. Lay down the rules and discuss why the rules are put in place. Be confident and consistent as you spend lots of time implementing the classroom rules and procedures.
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Solution 21
Posted October 9, 2016 8:17 pm

Tana Bill
Tana Bill
Reps: 210
Set up a reward system or a behavior chart for younger grades.
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Solution 22
Posted October 10, 2016 12:25 am

PeQyGa
PeQyGa
Reps: 201
Focus on the positives. It is important to make sure students are learning but the environment they are in is just as important.
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Solution 23
Posted October 10, 2016 12:59 am

yZytaz
yZytaz
Reps: 201
Maybe start the class with going over the rules and the consequences before class or the lesson starts. Encourage the students to be engaged with the lesson rather than with each other. Maybe using positive reinforcement or making a goal for the students will help them focus.
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Solution 24
Posted October 16, 2016 9:32 pm

ytupyQ
ytupyQ
Reps: 208
Go over the rules again and maybe change them to fit your call. Also I believe setting a mutual respect between students and the teacher can go a long ways.
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Solution 25
Posted February 21, 2017 7:07 pm

ytupyQ
ytupyQ
Reps: 208
This is a tricky situation. The teacher needs to go back to step one and discuss all the rules and consequences. But the teacher needs to follow through with all consequences no matter what. Find the leader(s) of the rule breaking pack and take those students down first. The rest will see that the teacher is not playing around and hopefully starts listening after that.
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Solution 26
Posted March 6, 2017 2:14 am

beTyze
beTyze
Reps: 211
Make a plan and stick to it, be stern and strong let them know what's okay and what's not ok.
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Solution 27
Posted October 6, 2017 2:11 pm

BuXaja
BuXaja
Reps: 205
The teacher should start by individually addressing the major problem students and let them know that their behavior is unacceptable. I would also offer incentives to the class for improved behavior. For example, if it was a high school class you could say "The table that completes the most math problems this period and does so quietly will receive 3 points of extra credit to add to the next test."
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Solution 28
Posted October 15, 2017 5:58 pm

pyJeZy
pyJeZy
Reps: 201
This is always the tricky one. Your options are very limited. I think the best way to handle it would be to consider the seating arangments. Try to make it so that its hard for the students to communicate
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Solution 29
Posted February 25, 2016 10:04 pm

punybu
punybu
Reps: 201
As a substitute teacher I have experienced horrible classes where students are disrespectful and do not follow any rules or procedures. I have found that choosing my battles works best instead of spending the majority of class time on students who really do not care about their school work. It is not fair to the students that are following the rules and engaged in the lesson to be interrupted by their classmates. I normally ignore students that are not following the directions as long as their are sitting quietly at their desk. If a student is being loud and disrupting the class by leaving their seat, etc. then I will address that student. From my experience, the students who are misbehaving usually need one-on-one instruction time as well as additional instruction and guidance. Additionally, I try to avoid calling out individual students that aren't following the rules. Instead I focus on those students who are following the rules in order to demonstrate what is expected of my students. This helps misbehaving students see what a student following rules looks like.
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Solution 30
Posted March 7, 2016 12:02 am

useZyt
useZyt
Reps: 207
As an upcoming teacher I am terrified of this, but I think that there needs to be some kind of reward system. Give the students who are behaving a reward. Soon the students who are not behaving will want that special reward too and things should simmer down. I would suggest extra free time, homework passes, etc.
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Solution 31
Posted February 29, 2016 2:27 am

punybu
punybu
Reps: 201
I think the teacher needs to establish control and make sure the students respect the rules and procedures.
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Solution 32
Posted February 24, 2016 7:03 pm

anuhag
anuhag
Reps: 201
I would have to assume that if the class was this badly behaved that the principle should already be aware of it. It would blow my mind to think that the principle would sit in the classroom watching the teacher struggling that much without helping. At the end of the lesson I would apologize to the principle and hopefully because they know what happens within the classroom it would be somewhat okay.
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