Classroom management
The online lesson used an example of a "negasaurus" dinosaur to help control behavior. What other items could be used to control negative behavior or students that have lost interest in the lesson?
Jane
I ask the students to look up information on the phones. They all seem to get a thrill out of being able to share the information with the class.
I agree...particularly in large classes the students seem to think they are accountable for their behavior, if you don't know who they are.
Work their "name" into your lesson. This will grab their intreset back into the lesson at hand.
When I have a new class I set the stage. The first time students start talking during my lecture or demo, I stop talking and wait until they notice I have stopped talking and that I'm looking at them. Usually they stop and apologize. When I resume talking again I tell the students I don't mind if they would like to leave the kitchen and have their talk outside or I will ask them to leave and continue their discussion out outside. The second time it happens I tell them to leave the kitchen and return when they can be quit and respect the learning environment. Most of the time they don't leave and I have very little trouble with the class again.
In this day and age of advanced technology and instant communication, texting has become a major concern in classes. I believe that whatever form of behavior is not going to be acceptable in class it needs to be stated and reinforced the first day / week of class.
During demos when I have students that seem to be losing interest I actually suggest that they come sit in my "bubble". I then allow them to become my helper during the demo. They begin to gain interest again because they are helping the chef instructor and showing the rest of the class that the task is able to be done.
Hi Adel!
It's absolutely necessary to get students refocused. it's my opinion that most students are very appreciate of the instructor's effort in making the classroom conducive to learning.
But sometimes when students are disruptive, particularly if there are a number of the students acting out, they may be telling the instructor let's move on, or take a break or change topics for the moment.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed107 Facilitator
I often use the same technique. It is important to remind students that even if they are not committed to learning, there is a whole classroom full of people who are, and by being distracting, in essence they are stealing learning opportunities from the others.
I,too, have had a wide span of age in my classes--sometimes 30 years difference or more! It can be a struggle to find the balance of discipline, but moreoften than not, I find that the older students' presence in the room has a calming effect on the younger ones. Quite often they will pair up for production, too. That makes my job even easier!
I agree. If you state the rules, there us usually one who will test that boundary and that student will suffer the consequence and set the standard for the rest of the class.
Texting is a big issue in class. I now have them place cell phones on my desk until they get a break out of class..
If a student is disruptive during my lecture or demo and begin talking around them, I ask them if they would like to continue on with my lecture or demo for me. They tend to be shocked the first student this happens to, but after that the class is on key and focuses.
I think you are on the right track here. I used to ask students politely not to text in class, but my supervisor advised me to state the rule clearly on day one. If the students break that rule thereafter, they get a written advising. This has really helped in my classroom.
I find that the more quickly I remember the student's names the more quickly I can ensure classroom control.
I agree that texting in class can be a problem. It is very disruptive during class time and the instructor will be paying more attention to cell phones instead of teaching his class. I make the rules very clear on day one. Cell phones are off limits during class. Use cell phones during your break only. The first student that does test the rule will get an infraction right away. After that cell phones are usually not an issue.
I have done similiar things. It allows the student to voice what they feel is important to them in order to be successful....it also allows them to feel (and know) that I care ehough to learn what's important to them
I like it Karen!
I have used contracts with some success. I think that I will try your strategy.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Greetings Dennis!
I agree - if we have a rule, it has to be inforced. Have you given any thought in how you could use texting as a tool for student learning?
Good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
On the first day of class I ask the students what they need in the class to be successful. I have gotten answers such as "give us all A's" to please use the hole punch when I copy materials. Helpful to me to know what they want and expect and also gives them a buy - in to the class. Then I tell them what I need from then. I have found that this process doesn't take very long. I then write up a success contract showing them our agreed needs. They sign it and I tell them tht if they follow this contract there should be no reason they should fail this course. Has worked wonders
