There is a common misconception that to be most effective at classroom management you have to be controlling. The thinking is that the more you’re on of top of your students, the more you’re directing their actions and decisions, the more effective you’ll be. … Read more
If you could schedule one classroom party a week and improve classroom management, would you do it? Before you answer yes, you should know that the kind of party I’m referring to is not of the celebratory variety. You’re not going to order pizza … Read more
Many teachers make the mistake of trying to talk their students through each moment of the school day. The idea being that if a teacher provides continual guidance–through reminding, cajoling, and micromanaging–then he or she will be more effective. It makes sense. But it … Read more
Lecturing individual students is a common classroom management practice—just another tool in a teacher’s tool belt. But it’s a colossal mistake, born of frustration, that does nothing to curb unwanted behavior beyond several minutes. The reason? When you lecture individual students, it’s done out … Read more
Maybe it’s the weather. Or a full moon. Or maybe a holiday is around the corner. Whatever it is, there are times when your class just can’t seem to get it together. They’re unfocused, squirrelly, prone to misbehavior. And no matter what you do, … Read more
If you’ve been teaching for longer than say… three minutes, then you’ve no doubt been hammered over the head with the idea that enthusiasm is important to effective teaching. In order to motivate students, you have to be passionate about your subject. I don’t … Read more
I have a technique you can start using tomorrow that will eliminate stress from your teaching life. This no-stress method is so effective, in fact, that many professional athletes use it before a competition. For them, keeping their composure can mean the difference between … Read more
Have you ever noticed that some teachers don’t have to work as hard at classroom management? Certain teachers can walk into a classroom, and almost magically, the students become calmer, more mature, and more receptive in their presence. These teachers may use the same … Read more