Emphasizing good behavior instead of bad?

Question

I am a first year middle school teacher trying to figure out how to make things better when I get back to school in January. In college, I was told that bringing out good behavior is better than focusing on the bad things students do. Although this has been true for me to an extent, it does backfire. When I compliment something a student is doing behaviorally (usually a 6th grader), I usually get 2 or 3 other students shouting out that they were doing the same good thing. This happens all the time. (Furthermore, when I call out a student for doing something bad, they bring out someone else doing the same thing, making me look unfair). I can't possibly see everything at one time, and I tell them this. What can I do to continue using a positive approach while calming down the students I didn't recognize at a certain point in time?

Answer 1

I have done a "caught you being good" drawing...whenever you are caught doing the right thing then you get your name on a slip in a cup for a drawing for a prize such as homework pass...can do once a day drawing...several on Friday and the kids with more slips have a better chance of winning. and since shouting out is not desireable...no slips if you shout out. or all students who get a certain number of "CYBG" get a homework pass...if slips are too much trouble then use a chart with names and award tally marks and remind them that getting "caught" is part of the system...it is a surprise! And award often at the beginning of the class day or period and early in the week then wean the students gradually away from so many to a few significant caughts and be sure to address the group with a simple and brief reason for the award. "thank you mark, caught you on task, one point/slip"

Answer 2

It is true what they say in college, but it is not so simple. Something that I do sometimes is carry a small note pad (post its or whatever) to write quick notes to students to say good job OR to if they are misbehaving, write a quick little note telling them to correct their behavior. And do it discreetly. This way you don't make a scene and kids can stay on task. You might also try rewarding good behavior on a class level. I use a system called PAT (prefered activity time). Check out the link for more info.
Good Luck on your second semester teaching!

Answer 3

When they bring up the others, acknowledge them as well. If it's good, compliment those kids too and anyone else who did the same thing.

If it's bad, it kinda depends. If you didn't see it, say how it's bad but that you didn't catch the other people.