METHOD

IMPLEMENTATION

WHY IT’S EFFECTIVE

15. Have fun in the classroom.

Start the class with a joke, cartoon, amusing anecdote etc.  Use humor in your lesson plans and let students use their sense of humor.

Laughter is the fastest way to improve a classroom’s environment.  When students are happy, they tend to behave better.  A lot of students have very sad lives and this could be the one happy time in their day.

16.  Use a variety of techniques in your lesson plans.

Using songs, movie clips, cartoons and other sources of media can keep student interest.  Try using games (ie; quiz shows) or contests to liven up a lesson.  Try to have 3-5 short activities within a 76 min. lesson.

Variety will enhance the lesson and promote positivity.  If students are enjoying a lesson they will pay better attention and they won’t misbehave.If students know you are trying hard to prepare interesting lessons, they will try hard too.

17. Rewards

 

Rather than always using marks as a tool for positive reinforcement, try other methods ie; candy, small prizes, cafeteria coupons, privileges, baking etc.

Some students simply do not care about marks so it doesn’t work as a behavior modification technique.  Most students like instant gratification ie: answer a question correctly- get a candy. This also makes a lesson a little more special as long as you do it occasionally.

18. Solve problems in classroom.

As much as possible, try to deal with behavior issues on your own.  Get the administration involved in times of necessity.

Constantly kicking kids out of your class does not promote a positive environment.  However, do not let negative students “poison” your classroom.  Try calling home, counseling student, billeting, classroom detentions etc.

19.  “Sorry” doesn’t need to be the hardest word.

Admit failures and apologize.  Saying “I’m sorry” to a student doesn’t mean they won’t respect you.  They will respect you more.

It’s hard work to promote and maintain a positive classroom environment and at times we fail.  If we have wronged a student, the only way to fix it is to apologize.