methods of classroom control?

Answer 1

Methods I employed at various times, some simultaneous with each other, some as a matter of policy:

1. Don't try to completely control the things you can't. For instance, there will ALWAYS be some talking/chatter in the classroom, because kids have no self-control these days and never seem to be required to achieve it. So: If you've heard of some big event going down in the school/after school/in the wider world, whatever, that will have kids come into the classroom buzzing, just announce right up front: "You have 5 minutes to talk this out of your systems. After that, your time is mine." If, after 5 minutes they still won't shut up (usually they do; they appreciate being given some time to talk), offer another 5 minutes at the end of class if they shut up immediately; if they don't, you keep them 5 minutes after class. That sort of thing.

A variation on this: A couple of kids or a small group of kids who won't shut up. Pick up a few words of the conversation, feed it back to them with exaggeration ("Oh my GOD, Suzy's LOCKER WOULDN'T OPEN???!"); they often hear how silly the conversation really is. Then follow up with a mild admonishment ("C'mon guys. Finish this assignment, and I'll see whether I'll let you finish this conversation then." When it's fair to do so, let them finish.)

2. Keep them busy. It's hard not to fall into a pattern of boring busy work, though, so be careful. The work has to be meaningful. But even just a little down time, and kids are off and running. Try to keep the period packed with things to do. And try to vary the types of things you're doing. Taking notes the whole period, day after day, is incredibly boring. Even playing games all period, day after day, gets old and dull. Try to engage the visual mind, the hearing mind, the thinking mind, the emotional mind--try to nab all the learning types at some point. Make sure all the work gets them credit, somehow. It's not easy. In fact, it's really hard. You have to BE PREPARED and ON YOUR TOES.

3. Be a sensible disciplinarian. For instance, at the high school where I taught, one year the administration decided that "too many" hall passes were being written. We weren't supposed to let our kids out of the classroom for any purpose. Well, garbage! I had 9th graders, who knew diddly about controlling their bodily processes. After lunch, they had to go (no, they really often had virtually no time during the lunch period to use the restroom--the admins made sure of that, too). I informed my students in periods following lunch periods that those who had to go must raise their hands all together at the beginning of class and I would write their names in a list on a single hall pass. They could go one at a time. They must return swiftly, or they would lose the privelege in future. They should cross off their name and hand the pass to the next kid on the list. The system worked great--until one admin caught one of my kids in the hall. I heard all about controlling hall passes. I was supposed to not write any anymore. Garbage again! When a dozen kids are sitting their squirming, nothing's getting done in the classroom. I continued my system--I took the heat when the kids got caught, not them. I had better classroom control for it.

4. Be ready and willing to admit you're wrong. Because you will be, sometime, and kids know it, and you know it, and kids KNOW you know it. They hate having it pointed out to them all the time when they're wrong, if you won't admit the same. They respect you for it. Be careful with apologies; sometimes, kids take these as a sign of weakness. A simple, "I was wrong about ----. Here's what it really should be" will get you a long way.

I'm sure there's plenty more, but let's get more pointers from other people!

Answer 2

When classroom gets out of hand, the easiest method is to regain control is to let your voice go over theirs and silence them.

Dont just give threats, act on them as well so that the students learn from each other.

Answer 3

It all depends on the teacher's personality. My daughter, she's a senior in high school, just finally found the perfect example of the perfect teacher...she says he's her "God." He keeps learning interesting, he mixes things up, he's somewhat overly organized, doesn't lose papers, doesn't fall behind on grading, and above all, he puts off what she calls a "professional vibe" that makes every student in the classroom act appropriately.

Answer 4

Are you a teacher? You are using an oxymoron; classroom control. Smoke and drink in the teachers lounge and learn to throw your hands up and yell No Más.

Find another job.

Answer 5

Never. NEVER lose your cool. You are in the position of 'power'. Know what techniques you can use and wield it like a pro!!

START the class on the right note. Make sure everyone is settled and the class is quiet before you begin.

STOP any distractions/disruptions before they escalate.
(I continue teaching but move closer to the kids who are not paying attention or give them a gentle squueze to let them know I am watching.)

Watch out for transitions. Periods of transitions from listening to you to doing their own work, or times when you tell them to take out a book or get into groups will be the times when all hell tends to break loose. Control your transitions well.

Do not add to the noise by shouting. It works better when you keep quiet and wait for them to realise you are waiting. May take a while but it'll work better in the long-run once they know what you expect of them. Be a good role model. Children respect adults who treat them with respect.

Keep your lessons interesting.

Have a great sense of humour. It's easier to stop the class clown with a good joke than getting all worked up and ruining everyone's day, including yours.

Vary your teaching methods and activities. Bring something interesting, get them to draw, speak up. Break the lessons with interesting stories and trivia. Get kids to come out to help you etc etc..

Above all.. KEEP on KEEPING on.. Good luck!!!!! (to us all) heheh

Answer 6

I work with younger students. We use the red, yellow, green light for management. A giant marble jar that students randomly fill when they act correctly or do well at something is nice. Have a prize if they fill it by the end of the year. We did a pizza party at the park up the street.

Answer 7

Clear rules that are written down and communicated to students and parents
Reasonable punishments for breaking the rules
Consistent enforcement of rules
Administration and Parental support of teacher
Loss of Priveledges
Change of Desk if appropriate
Community, classroom or school service
Written Punishments
Detentions
Parental Discipline. (IE: Billy did this today, please discuss this with him and take the measures you think are fit. Please return this letter so I know this has been done)
Whatever punishement your school has in place for serious offenses.
Do NOT yell, do NOT argue , YOU are in charge.

Answer 8

Unfortunately, it seems that the only thing that works these days is the reward system. Allowable punishments are laughable, and parents don't seem to have the time to get their kids under control.

Answer 9

Act like Professor Snape. Or like a nun. Get out the ruler and whack the hell out of the little brats. I would not be a teacher if it were the last thing on earth!!

Answer 10

for normal students, make them like you. be funny, be the "approachable" type, be their friend. hey, it shouldn't be difficult, you were their age once :)

for a wacko and uncontrollable class, if it is everyone in the class, you should impose strict discipline. at the same time, be their friend. show to them that "if you be a good student, i will be your friend. but if you misbehave, prepare to get extra homework"... it is best not to "touch" your students, might lead to a court case.