On 11/04/09, Rose wrote:
> I am currently student teaching and thought everything was
> going well until I took over the class full time. Students
> were fine for awhile but then BAM! all of a sudden they
> stopped listening, raising their hands and continue to talk
> out loud all the time. Procedures have been set that I
> cannot touch which leaves me a little clueless on what to
> do. These kids think they should be treated a certain way
> and get certain grades. When I asked other teachers how to
> handle getting them calmed down I was told I would have to
> figure it out. I know if this class were mine it would be
> different but until Christmas it is mine.

I wouldn't know for sure without observing you but judging from
the student teachers I have had, you may be pacing yourself too
slow. Also, you may not be holding the same standard of
expectations as the last teacher. From my experience, these
are the two areas where students lose interest very quickly.
If they notice that you are not aware of the same problems that
the other teacher would jump on quickly, they suddenly feel
empowered to take control away from you. It's a common
circumstance. Then, if you are not pacing your lesson quickly
enough, they get bored and self stimulate by causing problems.

Don't use punishment as a means to control the class. Instead,
be calm and assert yourself as the one in charge. Redirect
behavior toward the goal and make this your primary job. Teach
only when the primary job is going well. Eliminate any anger,
condescension or bias from your voice or face. Instead, be
calm and assertive with a smile behind your words. When the
voice inside tells you to be angry and take revenge, ignore it
and stick to logic and common sense. Redirect constantly and
demand proper behavior in a clam manner. If you need to use
consequences, follow the same plan for everyone and give plenty
of chances for the student to change direction. Change your
approach if you can identify anything that you are doing that
is contributing to the problem.

Here are a few things to watch for.

1. Before you begin a lesson, demand eye contact. Keep
students looking at you at all times. Eye contact is critical.

2. Ask, don't tell. Very important. Get them quiet. Then
ask and create context. Positive, negative, positive.

"I would like to ask you to get quiet because this is your
responsibility in this class. (Ask) I have some amazing
activities for us today and you guys will love what we're going
to do (positive). It's in your best interest to stay quiet so
you can avoid **appropriate consequence**. (Negative). Stay
very quiet and this will give you the best opportunity to enjoy
our lesson and avoid getting in trouble (positive).

That seems like too many words but it creates the context for a
high expectation and being specific is important.

3. Pause for a moment of silence. Scan the room looking for
anyone talking or not making eye contact. Redirect and then
pause again. If you pause for 5 seconds and there is silence,
as you scan the room, you are ready to begin.

4. If anyone blurts out or has any abrupt verbal commentary,
ask, and then redirect. "I only speak to a raised hand.
Please raise you hand first." No punishment, just redirection
in a calm manner. Pause, scan the room and then begin again.
Keep this up all hour if that's what it takes. Be relentless.

5. Keep your pace moving from this point and keep them focused
on the activity. Set limits before you do anything different
or when you change activities. Be very specific and make sure
they are quiet when you speak. Demand eye contact. If
anything else is happening, repeat what you did above as your
main goal for the day. Never speak when they are being
distracting. Go into redirection mode.

Now here's the good part. If you do this for a few days,
you'll find that it becomes a routine. If it's a routine, they
will start to follow it on their own and you can teach without
distraction. Remain calm and assertive and they will have no
ground to stand on against you. Oddly enough, they will love
you for it as well. You will be free to teach and enjoy the class.

Take a look at my entire list of 20 routines on my website
below. I also have many quotes from my book on the menu to the
left. Also, take a look at my personal classroom management plan.

Good luck.

Steve

Superior Education

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