This is a rough draft of my classroom management plan, I am not done yet but I wanted to know what you all thought. I actually probably will not run my classroom this way entirely, but this is also needed for an interview so I need to make it look legit.
Room Arrangement
I plan on arranging my room to be both formal and welcoming. My room will have desks placed in columns on separate sides of the classrooms so that there is space in the middle. This is so that all the students in the classroom are close to me while I lecture, while having enough space to move around and feel comfortable. This also provides a natural barrier so that I can arrange games and activities as well as groups. On the back side of the classroom I will place my desk and personal files, allowing me to have easy access to papers and keep an eye on my belongings as well as the classroom. I will position to have the chalkboard at the front of the classroom so that students can view classwork and overheads without having to turn their bodies. Extra materials and paperwork will be arranged on a desk near the entrance to the classroom.
The students desks will be arranged diagonally so that they can listen and take notes with ease. There will be minimal space between the teacher and the desks by placing the walking space in the middle of the classroom, and all the materials will either be out of the way or on top of an out of sight desk near the front of the classroom. This will place me near to my students, while at the same time giving them enough space so that they can feel comfortable and move around at their desk.
For students who have a culturally or linguistically diverse background, I will arrange for them to be near one another or to a friendly student so that they can help each other out. The minimal amount of space between the me and them will allow them to ask questions easier. Additionally, students who are fluent in the language and have mastered English will be close enough to share directions if needed.
Rules
1) Be Respectful
2) Come to class prepared
3) Be Attentive
4) Follow School Rules
Rules should be simple and easy to follow. I think it is important that students know exactly what it is that they are expected to do, so setting these clear expectations early is a sure way to get them adjusted quick and effectively. I will determine my rules based on the subject I am teaching, the age group, and the class structure. District and school rules will also be factored in to the classroom rules. The class may include a lab or be set in a non-typical classroom environment, and of course age appropriatness must always be considered.
Communicating the rules to the students will be a necessity on the first day of class. I will explain, rehearse, and reinforce these rules.; while at the same time ensuring the students understand them. I will also make sure that the students understand their role in the classroom, which is to have mutual respect for each other and to respect the teacher. Additionally, it is important that students understand that they are part of a team, a valued member of a learning community. Physical body language also goes a long way in communicating to students, so I need to make sure that the message I send is serious, with lots of eye contact and a firm demeanor. Every student should have a written copy of the rules and consequences, with additional copies in an accessible area and sent home to parents.
I need to discuss with students why a particular rule is needed and why it will help students succeed. At the same time, I need to be aware that there may be questions regarding rules, especially general rules. Included may be questions regarding penalties and rewards, these need to be gone over with the class and posted near the class rules. There are consequences involved in rules, and these rules can be both positive and negative. It is important that your students understand they have a choice regarding classroom rules and choices involve consequences.
Incentives and Rewards
Incentives and rewards provide good incentives as a means to motivate students motivation, performance, and instill a desire to learn. I will use rewards based solely on academic achievement, and rather than reward students for effort; I think that it is far better to reward students for their ability and what they are able to accomplish. Students will see right through a teacher praising them for effort, they feel much better about their accomplishments when they are real. Implementation of rewards shouldn't be self-defeating, but rather self-working. A student who achieves well on a test will have an option of work to do for a given test, if they study hard and make an A, they won't have to do additional work. A student who does poorly, will have the chance to make up that grade through additional work.
Praise should be acknowledgable and based on real achievement. If the effort is rewarded, the student will feel as if they are inferior and that the teacher is simply trying to make a big deal out of a small accomplishment. Praising real rewards however will give that student more satisfactin. Group incentives and class incentives also work well for this. Simply making a good grade or giving informative, positive comments are often times exactly what students need to boost their confidence. This type of praise will mean that the student will be more inclined to do a good job next time.
Behaviors and Consequences
Non-Verbal(Minor Offense)
Proximity or eye contact works as a form of non-verbal consequence towards minor behavior. Students will usually stop the inappropriate behavior when they feel as if the teacher is watching them or when they understand that they are being inappropriate.
1) Whispering in class
2) Not doing the assignment
3) Bothering fellow students
4) Tardiness
Verbal(Minor or Moderate Offense)
Sometimes it takes more than just a non-verbal cue to get the point across. At this point, you can either make a public verbal comment towards the student or a private verbal comment. If you are going to be public, make it non direct. For instance, mention to the whole class that you are happy for those that brought their books and you wish that everyone brought their books.
1) Repeated minor offenses
2) Talking out loud
3) Interupting teacher or class
4) Getting up out of seat
Conference(Moderate Offense)
When the inappropriate behavior still surfaces, it is time to be more assertive and take a direct approach to remedy the problem. Ask the student to stay after class or talk with him in private and see if a solution to the problem can be met. Without confronting or labeling the student, explain to the student the problem and ask if he or she can fix it. Offer suggestions and get a commitment from the student that he or she will attempt the fix the problem.
1) Repeated minor offenses
2) Physical contact with other students
3) Verbal confrontation with teacher or other students
Phone Home(Moderate to Major Offense)
Again, if the action is not remedied, the next step should be taken. Try and get a response from the parent by calling their house, see if perhaps a problem at home is causing the trouble of that you can get the parent to take appropriate action.
1) Repeated Moderate Offenses
2) Physical contact
3) Verbal confrontations
Referal(Major Offense)
As a last resort, referal's should be used. This takes the pressure off the teacher, but can have long term effects and resentment from the student. Only use a referal in the most extreme circumstances, try and take care of problems yourself.
1) Repeated Moderate or Major Offenses
2) Fighting
3) Vandalism
Policies/ Procedures/ routines
1) Ask permission before speaking or leaving your desk
2) Come to class prepared
3) Be respectful of your neighbors
4) Students should direct all attention on the teacher when speaking
5) Stay on task
6) The teacher, not the bell, dismisses the students
7) The class starts when the bell rings
8) Keep an organized and clane desk
Course Outline
American History Mr. Robert Schmitz
Littleton High School Phone #
treborschmitz@yahoo.com
Course Description: This course is intended to provide an overview of the events incorporating the United States from the founding of the original 13 colonies, to post World War II. Students are expected to show up fully prepared and ready to learn with assigned class materials and resources.
Objectives: At the finalization of this course, students are intended to have background knowledge on the founding of the United States, and show knowledge of important events and people.
Class Rules:
1) Be Respectful
2) Come to class prepared
3) Be Attentive
4) Follow School Rules
Class Procedures:
Grading: Grading Scale:
50% Tests/Quizzes A 90-100
25% Participation(classwork/folder) B 80-90
25% Final Project C 70-80
D 60-70
F 59-0
Note Taking: I require all students to develop a personal interactive folder. This folder can be personalized, but serves the purpose of keeping track of notes and working out class assignments. All work is expected to be held on to in this folder, remain organized, and neatly written. I will provide a teacher model that can be looked at to help you do this.
Extra Credit/Late Work: There will be several oppurtunities for makeup work and extra credit. Extra credit is intended to be harder and require more time than normal classwork, so keep that in mind. A folder will be available with a list of oppurtunities for extra credit at the assignment desk in the front of the class. Late work will also be accepted, however, there will be a letter grade penalty for every day that it is late. You will have 2 days to make up any assignment in the case of an absence.
Consequences/Conduct: I will not be keeping track of classroom conduct for the purpose of a grade. All of you are young adults and I expect you to act like it. However, keep in mind that the rules and procedures of the class should be followed at all times, and when they are disobeyed will be dealt with on an individual basis. I may ask you to stay after class, call a parent, or ask for a conference. In extreme circumstances you may be sent to the office or recieve a refferal; I don't expect to have to do any of this for the purpose of conduct.
* For any questions regarding the course outline, please see me before or after class or check the Social Science office. I would be more than happy to go over additional concerns or questions you might have.
Student Signature: Parent Signature:
My classroom management plan ><
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