11.03.06
More on Troubleshooting Classroom Management Issues
I have just come across a couple of posts that are related to our recent conversation in class on classroom management. Post I: Classroom Management Part I discusses professional literature with some practical suggestions. Post 2: Classroom Management Part II describes additional helpful classroom management strategies. Check them out yourselves.
November 5, 2006 at 1:30 pm
Your discussion of classroom management contains a wealth of such good tips to assist in your classroom. I really appreciated the comment on the power of proximity as I’ve found that coupled with a personal comment helps to keep all focused on the learning. I wondered if sharing my experience might add to the conversation–
First, I wish I had had the vision to start each year with the activity David Jakes shared on the Tech Learning Blog last September. You’ll find it here:
http://www.techlearning.com/blog/main/archives/2006/08/pop_quiz.html
I found my 35 years as a classroom teacher an exciting, endless journey that encouraged life long learning to become a more accomplished teacher. My classroom management traveled through highly structured point systems, Lee Canter, and “Discipline with Dignity” to my current path on which I find Alfie Kohn’s notion of “Beyond Discipline: From compliance to community” best serves learning. You’ll find a short summary here:
http://www.alfiekohn.org/books/bd.htm
And an interview with Alfie Kohn here:
http://stream.luxmedia501.com/?file=realimpact/ascd/talks_w_author/qta_alfie_kohn_interview.mov&type=mov
Might there be some value in considering this notion of developing community, and going beyond compliance?
Best,
Lani
November 29, 2006 at 7:56 pm
I was drawn to the class management discussion because I am having major problems with my students. Most of your techniques seem as if they would work in theory, but it seems that trying them without the administrative back up is daunting. Also, to deal with a lot of kids (30) in a small room makes them even more difficult to maintain. I’d like to know in what environment these practices have been successful and whether there are techniques that work for all types of students.