As you go through the school year, you may change your classroom management situation. 9 Practical Steps to Make Changes in Classroom Policies identifies a practical progression. Moreover, these steps can be used to make changes to classroom management practices. To clarify, follow this roadmap to effective change in classroom culture.
1. Introducing the Policy Change
Whenever initiating a new classroom policy, it is essential to communicate your intention. Firstly, talk to your students about a new system. Likewise, you can decide on the specifics of the new policy by involving your students. Do not blame your students if the procedure does not go to plan. In short, let them know that the policy will help make things better.
2. Practical Nonverbal Reinforcement
Reinforcing learned behavior is critical if a new policy is to become a classroom management norm. Now that you have told students what needs to happen, try using nonverbal cues to reinforce these actions. That is to say, nonverbal cues include visuals, hand signals, sound signals, and music. Certainly, be sure to pay attention to the practical nonverbal notions and focus on these signals.
3. Classroom Modeling
Modeling desired behavior is an effective technique to help students understand what is expected of them. Therefore, do this by demonstrating this new practice step by step. In addition, you can select a small group of students to model this procedure.
Firstly, add entertainment value by having students demonstrate how not to implement the new practice. Then have them show how to do it properly. Regardless, the humor should be a great way to get students to buy into the policy.
4. Practice the Process
Have students practice the procedure. Practice procedures to attain mastery. For instance, the following examples of procedures that require practice include:
- lining up
- preparing for dismissal
- realigning the room
- transitioning from one activity to another
- entering the classroom quietly
Hold students accountable for your procedures. Point out examples of success amongst students. Above all, don’t be afraid to enforce rules and consequences.
5. Classroom Management Accountability
Be clear about individual and group expectations. Reflect, with the class, about the attempts and progress made. You may choose to reward those a group of students who successfully modeled behavior. Alternatively, you can issue your consequences as well. Reevaluate and communicate that students may need more practice to get it right.
6. Check for Understanding
Be sure that students understand your new policy. The policy needs to be practical and simple to understand. Since the introduction of the new policy, you should continue to hold students accountable. Try to use a variety of techniques to check for understanding.
For example, techniques to check for understanding could include:
- Use a timer for smooth transitions
- Utilize soft music for if students during quiet tasks
- Use a journal to access prior student knowledge
- Ask specific students to describe the procedure and see if there is anything they want to add to the description.
7. The First 10 Days
The first ten days should be used to reinforce the procedures and consequences. Modify the procedure as deemed appropriate and practice to the point of mastery. Above all, positively reinforce those students that have grasped the concept. To clarify, to adequately create change in the culture of the classroom management system, the first ten days must include purposeful and meaningful practice.
8. Reflect
Moreover, reflect on whether the procedure has created significant change. Therefore, can you identify the specific tactics to create this change? Did you make changes that affected the bottom line? Can you replicate this change? Remember sharing is caring.
9. A New Culture
Once your procedure is consistently working well, be sure to use it in all of your classes. Doing this establishes the new policy as a classroom management norm. As a result, by using a step by step process to create this norm results in new classroom culture.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, change is not always easy. Having a process that is simple to understand and implement is vital. Consequently, Having a calm decision-making process allows you to make practical choices by using reward systems. As a result, by following the practical steps, classroom policy is an attainable feat.
Sources
Retrieved from https://www.consciousteaching.com/
Briggs, S. (2018, May 25). 10 ways to create a positive culture in your classroom. Retrieved from https://www.canva.com/learn/how-to-create-a-positive-and-valuable-classroom-culture/
Gibson, T. H. (2016, April 14). 5 Innovative Ways To Create Positive Classroom Culture. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/5-innovative-ways-create-positive-classroom-culture
Mulvahill, E. (2017, August 13). Change the Way You Talk to Kids to Change Classroom Culture. Retrieved from https://www.weareteachers.com/how-changing-the-way-you-talk-to-kids-can-change-your-classroom-culture/
