Establish Clear Expectations and Consequences

Establish Clear Expectations and Consequences

In order to ensure that classroom learning is conducive to both the physical and emotional growth of the student, rules that explain what behavior is expected need to be reviewed. Chen, Horsche, and Nelson (1999) believe that giving children choices will help them develop a sense of ownership in regard to the learning process. Let the students decide how they will follow the rules. By working together, everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the overall environment of their classroom.

After rules and procedures are established, it is important that the teacher admires good performance and provides negative consequences for unacceptable behavior. According to Marzano and Marzano (2003), the use of both verbal and physical reactions will help teachers reinforce classroom procedures (p.8). Simple physical signs like a “thumbs up” or a verbal “good job” will show the students that good behavior is recognized. Also, a teacher must be consistent with punishments for those who disregard the rules. “How you handle a situation with any student will teach that student something – as well as everyone else in the room” (Solan, 2002). It is essential that the teacher communicates immediately with a misbehaving student. Using different methods, like simply moving closer to the one who is disruptive, could be a cue which may reduce the chance of interrupting the whole class (Petch-Hogan & Murdick, 1996). A warning can often be enough to correct improper behavior, thereby avoiding the need to assert full punishment.

Communication Must Remain Open

The best way to ensure a good classroom environment is to make sure that communications remain open between school officials, teacher, and parents (Brophy, 1982). This creates a feeling of trust within the classroom. Without being able to communicate properly, learning can not take place. Students with dialects, different languages, and backgrounds will make up many classrooms. Woolfolk (2004) feels that “communication is at the heart of teaching and culture affects communication” (p.174). Adjusting to different languages and cultures is a difficult task. Therefore, it will take everyone’s help to create a safe environment in the classroom.

Know and Respect Your Students

The headlines in Educational Psychology sum up that a good teacher will know, respect, and teach her students (Woolfolk, 2004). Teachers should never discriminate and always respect each child as an individual (Eggen, Jacobsen, & Kauchak, 1993).