Classroom management: Practical magic

"Don't smile until Christmas" is the popular line from veteran teachers when advising their novice counterparts on how to establish classroom discipline. It sounds harsh, but it reflects a common dilemma that teachers confront when managing their classrooms: How to balance the caring feelings you have for your students with the need to maintain control so that learning and teaching can take place.

That's one of the issues addressed in a new double video tool kit produced jointly by the AFT and the NEA. The kit, "Building Safe and Orderly Schools," offers research-based, practical tips on everything from arranging furniture to setting up classroom rules to "self-reflection" about your teaching style and tolerance for noise and activities.

Even if the "don't smile" approach is an exaggeration, there's something to be said for starting out a little tough; if anything, it makes it less difficult to rein in behavior later in the year, says the guide. One study of student teachers found that they had high expectations for exciting and creative classroom interactions with students as "friends." But with no limits for behavior, the student teachers soon found they had lost control of their classes and reverted to authoritarian management, notes the guide. "They concluded (erroneously) that, if they were to be in control, they could not be caring."

The guide and video call for a happy medium: Take time to think through what your limits are before you establish rules and procedures. But all rules and procedures must be put in place with one goal--establishing an environment conducive to teaching and learning at high levels. Some highlights:

• Rules and procedures. Establish three to six general rules governing behavior. They should be general, such as "Be prompt; be polite; be prepared; be productive," although sometimes you must also have specificity, such as "You may not leave the room without a pass."

The rules should be posted prominently in the classroom. They should be taught and reinforced extensively at the beginning of the year. A rule of thumb: Three weeks of teaching the rules will result in 33 weeks of relative peace.

• Room arrangements. Furniture should be arranged so that high-traffic areas are free of congestion and the teacher always has a clear view of the students. Storage space and materials should be readily accessible, and students should be able to see instructional displays and presentations--and you--easily.

Students should be able to move from one learning environment to another with little disruption. Leave room around student desks so that you can get to each student when monitoring and plan to seat students who need extra help or attention close to where you spend most of your time.

American Federation of Teachers, AFL•CIO - 555 New Jersey Avenue, NW - Washington, DC 20001