Classroom Management Scenarios and Solutions: 1.

THE TALKER (chatting with friends; wont let other people talk)

1. THE APATHETIC STUDENT ('drops out' in participation/assignment completion)

-Assess the situation- Is there a problem? -Try different activities before making it a problem -Ask for anonymous feedback (written in our out of class), anonymous email? -Talk to student I statement (Im concerned/confused). Give heads up before meeting w/ student.

2. THE DEFIANT STUDENT, 'This is boring'

Admit the truth- reiterate goal. Use humor. Time out for discussion (when you choose); solution-focused; written vs. spoken.

3. THE QUESTIONER (asks questions you don't have answers to, or that distract from main goals)
Acknowledge but dont have to answer. Point out that it will be covered later. Use humor.

4. THE NOSTALGIC STUDENT That's not what the last teacher said
Be positive. Use that as resource.

5. YOUR PERSONAL STALKER (student who is always around or student who tells you TMI )
Define availability; re-direct conversation; point out resources

6. INAPPROPRIATE COMMENT OR EMAIL

language barrier?; lesson on email communication; Thank you for asking, but This one time

7. Student you CAN'T UNDERSTAND (speaking/writing- see U of Hawaii handout)

Pronunciation with entire class (recommend for individual attn); writing

8. CHEATING/PLAGIARISM
During a test: walk through, linger; take notes ; If confirmed: talk to student afterward; collaborative quiz/ After: compare with others, Plagiarism: discuss cultural elements, use internet, prevention; no credit? 10. THE DISRUPTIVE STUDENT -Use silence/pausing and tone -Use humor -Use your body and eyes, -Talk one-on-one (diffuse by getting personal) -Give someone else a chance- make student moderator/notetaker -Calling on students (or Ss calling on each other)/passing ball

More on Classroom Management- http://www.nea.org/classmanagement/discipline.html General principles? 5 basic class rules/policies -Reward good behavior- use compliments - Make strong students your allies -Start stricter than you intend to be. - Punishments should be negative -Keep em busy (especially early in quarter) -Learn student names early - Be consistent

From the NEA site: http://www.nea.org/classmanagement/ifc060606.html

Use the word "concerned." When communicating a concern, be specific and descriptive. Don't talk too much. Use the first 15 minutes of class for lectures or presentations, then get the kids working. Break the class period into two or three different activities. Be sure each activity segues smoothly into the next. Begin at the very beginning of each class period and end at the very end. Don't roll call. Take the roll with your seating chart while students are working. Keep all students actively involved. For example, while a student does a presentation, involve the other students in evaluating it. Discipline individual students quietly and privately. Never engage in a disciplinary conversation across the room. Keep your sense of perspective and your sense of humor. Know when to ask for help.

Important Strategies (for problem-solving) Establish eye contact. Move around the room and increase proximity to restless students. Send a silent signal. Give a quiet reminder. Re-direct a student's attention. Begin a new activity. Offer a choice. Use humor. Provide positive reinforcement. Wait quietly (or use bell/lights off) until everyone is on task. Ask a directed question.

OTHER WEBSITES:
http://www.pacificnet.net/~mandel/ClassroomManagement.html http://www.league.org/gettingresults/web/module1/diversity/accomodate_adult_learners.html

(about adults) http://drwilliampmartin.tripod.com/reallybest.htm http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/digests/SHANK.html

(about multilevel classes)