Managing a classroom can be difficult especially when you do not know how to make students listen to you. Menachem Moscovitz shares that according to a 2006 research, some teachers lack professional development support in improving classroom management.
There are some straightforward approaches you can implement yourself to improve classroom discipline. Even if you don’t agree with these approaches, these approaches can enhance pro-social student behavior.
Below are some classroom management strategies and techniques that can make a huge difference. Menachem Moscovitz believes that teachers should do research on various techniques and try them out as well. There are some universal classroom management strategies as well which you can find on the internet and take inspiration from them.
- Ideal Behaviour
Whether you are a parent or a teacher make it a habit to demonstrate a behavior you want to see. Studies show that modeling effectively teaches students how to should or how to act in various situations.
Menachem Moscovitz advises using a straightforward way to model certain behaviors such as holding a mock conversation with an admin, or other teacher or student in front of the class.
Keep the following things in mind:
- Speak in a polite manner
- Always maintain eye contact
- Keep the phone in your pockets
- Let the other person speak first and then make your point
- Let Students Establish Guidelines
It is the teacher’s responsibility to engage students in classroom activities. Take help from students to make classroom rules, this way you are not instructing them or telling them what they are not allowed to do.
Near the start of the year or a semester, start a discussion in your class by asking students what they believe they should and shouldn’t do. Ask your class questions such as at what point mobile phones are okay? You may be shocked at the strictness of some rules. Regardless, holding a discussion can lead to mutually understood and respected expectations.
- Avoid Punishing the Class
Teachers should try to address isolated issues instead of punishing the whole class. As it can latter hurt your relationships with students who are sincere and active thereby jeopardize classroom management efforts.
Menachem Moscovitz suggests that instead of calling out specific students in a friendly and polite manner.
For example: “Do you have a question?”, instead of “Stop talking?” or “Do you need help focusing?” instead of “Pay attention and stop fooling around?”. This simple and basic approach can create a huge difference in your classroom management.
- Offer praise
Praise students for jobs well done, as doing so improves academic and behavioral performance, according to a recent research review and study.
When it is sincere and references specific examples of effort or accomplishment, praise can:
- Praise Students
Students love positive feedback’s and honest praise from their teachers. Teachers should praise students for jobs well done, as this can improve academic and behavioral performance.
Sincere praise can:
- Inspire the whole class
- Improves students self-esteem
- It encourages other students to perform better and repeat the positive behavior
- You can motivate other students at the same time
Following are some other ways suggested by Menachem Moscovitz to maintain classroom discipline:
- Hold parties to motivate students and appreciate their efforts
- Use visual aids/non-verbal communication to improve content delivery
- Reward specific students in front of the whole class to apply the behavior-reinforcement technique
- Make positive letters and phone calls to students parents
- Allow students to work in groups while taking notes
- Address bad behavior quickly but remember it is best to talk in private
Whether you want to improve your teaching skills or personality skills, Mr. Menachem Moscovitz can help you in every phase of your life.
So, just make an appointment with Mr. Menachem Moscovitz today if you dreadfully want to share your passion in the classroom.
Menachem Moscovitz 