How to Correct Classroom Behavior
- 1). Create an effective reward system that encourages good behavior. While you should not have to bribe students to behave, praising their good behavior and removing rewards for misbehavior can promote a better classroom environment. For instance, you might reward good behavior with candy or free time at the end of the week. Students who have to be corrected often would be ineligible to participate in the reward system. This way, students learn the consequences of both positive and negative behavior.
- 2). Speak with problem students on a one-on-one basis rather than addressing the student in front of the class. By focusing on the problem student in front of everyone, you disrupt class time for all students. Often this encourages students to misbehave in order to get attention. Try speaking with the student individually after class, or while the rest of the class is working on an assignment. Ask the student to explain the behavior and explain why that behavior is inappropriate.
- 3). Separate students who tend to encourage each other in disruptive ways. If a certain group of students will not stop talking or passing notes during class, or if two students constantly bicker, place the students in different areas around the classroom. Explain to them that their behavior is the reason for the new seating arrangement. You may want to give the students the option of freely choosing their seats again if their behavior improves.
- 4). Use the students themselves as a way to control behavior. Peer-based behavior management often works because students may feel more compelled to fit in with their friends than to listen to an authority figure. For instance, creating the role of classroom monitor, to be filled by a different student each week, allows children to be active in behavior monitoring.
- 5). Remain calm when dealing with misbehavior. Over-reacting leads to more misbehavior in many cases. By remaining calm, you show authority and project confidence.
- 6). Listen to students' suggestions and concerns about the way the classroom is structured. If several students misbehave, something in the structure of the class may lead to misbehavior. Allow the students to express their concerns. Treat them with respect.
- 7). Maintain consistency in the classroom. If one student is reprimanded for talking in class while another student is not, other students may misbehave, knowing that they will receive discipline only half the time. Be diligent in correcting behavior so that the students learn to behave without threat of a reprimand.
- 8). Seek assistance if student misbehavior reaches a level that you cannot manage alone. Calling in the principal or school security can help correct serious problems before they get worse.
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