I completely agree with the opening statement of the text that “for students to be successful in inclusive settiings, their classroom behavior must be consistent with teachers’ demands and academic expectations and must promote their learning and socialization with peers.” That statement could not be truer as it pertains to my placement. Setting clear expectations has made all the difference. Students are easily put on task and they know exactly what they should be doing at all times. Using the SmartBoard as a way to write expectations for transitions and lessons gives students a great visual reminder and also helps to ensure that they take responsibility for their actions because as long as it is written on the board, there is no excuse for not knowing what being on task looks like.
Any good classroom management system sets into place a close bond between the expectation of positive behavior and the facilitation of effective teaching. Best practices are called such for a reason. Teachers should use colloboration inside and outside of the classroom to foster positive school environments and make sure that all parties within the school are in tune with student needs.
In my placement, it seems that at least all of the fourth grade teachers know the names each other’s students, which seems so small but makes a huge difference when it comes to collaboration and keeping consistent the expectations for students. I have absolutely no problem tell students from another class to slow down in the hall or to stop talking, not only because I feel it is the right thing to do, but also because I feel that their teachers would do the same for the students in my classroom.
Defining the behavior is also a huge point that the text makes. It is so easy to stamp students with vague labels. Clearly defining the behavior and assessing it is critical for facilitating the type of teaching that will create desired behavioral outcomes.
February 16, 2010 at 7:29 pm |
Transitions and making sure that students know what they’re supposed to be doing are things that I wish that we focused more on in my placement. I love that your teacher uses the Smartboard to achieve fluidity of transitions.
I really think that giving students clear direction in the classroom gives them more of a purpose. It’s easy for a student to get away with wondering around the room claiming that he or she doesn’t know what to do if the “to do” list isn’t posted for them to refer to. If you give students less room to act out, you’ve made a step toward maintaining positive behavior in your classroom.
Great post!
March 21, 2010 at 1:10 pm |
I like the idea of having the expectations in clear sight, and stated frequently! We don’t really do that in my classroom, and it gets messy during transitions and lessons. I like the idea of observing a child, figuring out or “defining their behavior” as you said, and creating tactics to alleviate the negative effects of the behavior.