Addressing time-on-task factors during a lesson does little to curb misbehavior.
It’s a daunting but all-too-common sight for many teachers: A classroom full of rowdy students who are unable to focus on the lesson. Classroom management techniques may get things back on track, but valuable time has already been lost. Show Many experienced teachers know that making meaningful connections with students is one of the most effective ways to prevent disruptions in the first place, and a new study set out to assess this approach. In classrooms where teachers used a series of techniques centered around establishing, maintaining, and restoring relationships, academic engagement increased by 33 percent and disruptive behavior decreased by 75 percent—making the time students spent in the classroom more worthwhile and productive. “Strong teacher-student relationships have long been considered a foundational aspect of a positive school experience,” explains Clayton Cook, the lead author of the study and a professor at the University of Minnesota. When those relationships are damaged, student well-being may be affected, leading to academic and behavioral problems. In the study, teachers used an approach called Establish-Maintain-Restore to build positive interactions with students—a total of 220 in fourth and fifth grade—and boost their sense of belonging. (A follow-up study with middle school teachers used the same strategies, with similar results.) Relationship-building was broken down into three phases: the first meeting, maintenance throughout the school year, and points when a relationship may suffer damage, with useful strategies for each phase. Relationship reflection form pdf 62.35 KB Since it can be easy for some students to fall through the cracks, a relationship reflection form—like the one we share here—can help teachers take notes on each individual student and highlight ones who need the most attention. Starting on a Positive NoteAt the start of the school year, the teachers in the study made time for establishing relationships. “The goal is to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging that is characterized by trust, connection, and understanding,” Cook and his colleagues explain. For students with learning or behavioral problems, cultivating positive relationships provided “protective effects” that helped them stay focused on learning. To establish positive relationships, teachers can:
Maintaining RelationshipsWithout active maintenance, relationships deteriorate over time, the study authors point out. Teachers may focus too much on academics and not enough on supporting students’ emotional well-being, slowly using up the banked time they initially built up with students. Teachers can maintain relationships by continuing to implement the strategies above, and in addition they can:
Repairing Harm Before Things Get WorseEventually, negative interactions such as misunderstandings, conflict, or criticism can weaken a teacher-student relationship. If these negative interactions are left unaddressed, students may feel disengaged and be less willing to participate in activities. They may also be more likely to misbehave, creating further damage. So it’s important for teachers to “intentionally reconnect” with students to restore the relationship to a positive state. When relationships need repair, teachers can:
The takeaway: Effective classroom management starts with relationship building. When students feel a greater sense of belonging, they’re more likely to be academically engaged and demonstrate positive behavior. How should the teacher have addressed the misbehavior?Identify the cause of the misbehaviour. Isolate the cause of the misbehaviour and make changes or remove the cause.. Remind students about class rules. It is possible that a verbal reminder of the classroom rules and consequences will be all that is necessary to stop student misbehaviour. ... . Give students choice. ... . Comment.. How can we prevent misbehavior in the classroom?How to Reduce Misbehavior in the Classroom. Plan blocks of time. Students learn better in a structured environment where the time to disengage is limited. ... . Plan for disruptions. ... . Engage with your students. ... . Have a good environment conducive to learning. ... . Respect your students. ... . Avoid zero-tolerance discipline.. What are the 7 strategies for minimizing off task behaviors?Strategies for Reducing Off Task Behavior. Teaching Skills You Can Use.. Learning names: This is the singular most important tactic in ensuring an efficient classroom. ... . Back to Wall: ... . Proximity Control: ... . With-It-Ness: ... . Selective ignoring: ... . Positive Pinpointing: ... . Consequences for behavior:. How can students improve misbehavior?10 Practical Tips For Every Teacher To Improve Child Behavior In.... Study Them First, Then Pick The Counter Technique. ... . Praise Them For the Good In Them. ... . Verbally Acknowledge Their Efforts. ... . Make The Session Light And Digestible. ... . Show Them You Care. ... . Don't Judge. ... . Keep Track Of Their Progress. ... . Try To Listen Without Responding.. |