| The sad fact is, it doesn't matter how well | | | | trying to get a reaction out of the teacher and |
| teachers know their content...it doesn't matter | | | | there is nothing they would like more than to |
| how many strategies teachers know to improve | | | | have their fellow classmates watch the teacher |
| reading comprehension or to increase academic | | | | explode. |
| achievement...if teachers can not manage their | | | | Don't do this...Don't fall for their tricks...Don't take |
| classroom, they can not teach. | | | | the bait!!! |
| Many experts in education agree that the | | | | At least not then and there in front of the other |
| students who are causing the classroom | | | | students. |
| management problems usually fall into one of four | | | | There are other options...A much better approach |
| categories: | | | | is to take a deep breath, don't lose your cool, and |
| 1. attention seekers ~ (pencil tappers, hummers, | | | | in a calm, matter-of-fact manner simply tell the |
| students who talk out etc.) | | | | student to see you after class and then |
| 2. power seekers ~ (always getting in the last | | | | immediately continue on with the lesson. |
| word, muttering under their breath) | | | | If the power seeking student then mutter's |
| 3. revenge seekers ~ (recipients of frequent | | | | something under his breath again just ignore |
| punishment) | | | | it...that's right ignore it...the rest of class already |
| 4. avoiding failure ~ (students who don't do the | | | | knows that you will handle the situation without |
| work or withdraw from the lesson as a means of | | | | their presence. There is no need for further |
| avoiding more failure) | | | | response at this time as all you will be doing is |
| However, for most teachers, it is the power | | | | disrupting your own lesson and giving that power |
| seekers that start to make our blood boil. These | | | | seeking student just what he wants. |
| are the students who question your authority and | | | | Then, when the bell rings and the class is leaving, |
| do so in front of the whole class. | | | | simply pull that power seeking student aside and |
| Many teachers feel that they cannot let the | | | | follow through without the audience that the |
| power seeking student get in the last word | | | | student desired. Depending on the situation you |
| because the will lose face with the rest of the | | | | may also follow that up with a phone call home, |
| class...leading others to feel comfortable | | | | parent conference, detention etc. |
| questioning your authority as well. | | | | Just don't get "into it" in front of the rest of the |
| These power seekers are trying to "bait" the | | | | class. |
| teacher by mumbling something under their | | | | By knowing the reasoning behind why a student is |
| breath or flat out stating, "You can't make me do | | | | misbehaving (i.e. seeking power) a teacher can |
| this assignment!" | | | | make much better classroom management |
| Bottom line...these power seeking students are | | | | decisions. |