About Matthew Hiebert Expertise education, study strategies, pedagogy, sustainable education, hidden curriculum,
classroom
management, science, math, learning materials
Experience Extensive experience teaching at the elementary/jr. secondary level, including experience at prestigious international schools; recent work has been as pedagogy specialist and education project coordinator for teacher training projects in east and southeast Asia, and in Latin America
Question dear Matthew Hiebert we are agroup of syrian teachers,we would like to ask you (What is the best way to control naughty student) .
Answer Thank you for your question, and I apologize for my delayed response. Your question is quite general, and perhaps I could be of more help if I knew more details - the "best" way to work with a naughty student will depend a great deal on the personality of the student, your relationship with them, and the type of behaviors they exhibit. For example, if the naughty student is doing something that might put them or others in danger of some sort, we may need to control the situation physically. However if the student is repeatedly acting out or talking during class, a more subtle response is likely to be more effective.
Good classroom management is multi-faceted. It is not simply about having rules and consequences. It involves developing routines and procedures which guide and direct student behavior, planning interesting lessons which engage students and make them want to be involved rather than acting out, and developing good relationships and rapport with students.
Consider your whole class as a system, and think about what you need to do to have the system functioning well. For example, if you frequently lecture to your students, and expect them to be quiet the whole time and learn a great deal, you're likely to be disappointed. You'll find that positive behavior from students increases if you plan more interesting and engaging lessons.
While there are no easy answers that will solve all the classroom management problems at once, there are some simple things teachers can do to improve the situation:
-My favorite is "routines and procedures". Students should know the expected behaviors, and how to do things efficiently in your classroom. If a student needs to use the washroom what should they do? If they've forgotten their homework what should they do? How is paper passed out in your classroom? How are materials collected? What's the procedure for starting class? For dismissal? Students thrive in structured environments where they know what is expected. If you have not thought through these kinds of things you are inviting chaos. Even students who others may label as "naughty" are generally not a problem when they know what is expected of them, and if they know the teacher will consistently watch to make sure that procedures are being followed.
-Have clear rules in your classroom, and clear consequences for what happens if rules are not followed. Make sure the students understand the rules and why you need them. Ideally, students can help develop the rules as an "agreement" for a well functioning classroom.
-Try to make consequences logical (relevant to the behavior) and immediate (consequences should come as soon as possible after the behavior).
-Don't embarrass the student. If you need to reprimand a student, try to do it out of the eye of the other students.
-Don't label the student. Don't call the student naughty or rude (even if they are), they will identify with the label and see themselves in that way. It's okay to label a behavior. "It's rude to interrupt others, and I know you're not a rude boy, so please remember to raise your hand when you'd like to speak."
-Be firm, but respectful. It's important that you are able to appear strong and assertive (even if you don't feel it yourself). You might want to practice saying key phrases such as "sit down please" in front of the mirror, with firm eye contact and a strong but respectful voice.
-Avoid getting into a power struggle with a student, especially if other students are around.
-Remind the student of the correct behavior (don't just tell them what they did was wrong, tell them what you'd like them to do instead the next time).
-With young students, invoking peer pressure works well. "Boys and girls, who can remind us why it is important that we don't run in the classroom."
The list could go on and on, but these are some basic tips which might help. Feel free to post another question with more specifics if you'd like more help with a particular "type" of student.
