At the beginning of the year, the classes do seem to be disciplined and well behaved but that is sustained only for a few days. No matter what you try, you will have some difficulty controlling the class. Here are some suggestions on how you could establish control, monitor, and conduct the class properly.
MONITORING:
Do not stay parked in the front of the classroom, work the room, move around the room continuously, stand, or sit facing all of the students to get a hold of their attention. Make frequent eye contact, and smile. Monitor students with your physical presence. At the beginning of the class, start by giving the students a set of directions for a particular work in order to have their attention and so they are crystal clear about the instructions.
CONSISTENCY:
Being consistent is a key factor in maintaining appropriate student behaviour. As a teacher, you must ensure that students are well aware of the rules and expected behaviour so that they can behave accordingly.
One way to manage the varying expectations for indiscipline or misbehaviour is to introduce each activity and clearly explain what is expected of the students. You can repeat the rules, modify them, and teach them something simpler and easier to follow. Doing so allows students to remember the basic rules and follow them accordingly.
PROMPTNESS:
Promptness will prevent the inappropriate behaviour of the class from getting out of hand. Violations of rules should be dealt with directly, but calmly as well.
Use eye contact, move around the class, and use gestures such as nodding head sideways to discourage them from doing something or putting a finger on the lips to make them stop talking.
- Give a simple reminder of the correct procedure.
- Restate the task or assignment in order to grab attention back.
- Just ask or tell the students to stop the inappropriate behaviour gently.
- Address the students by their corresponding names to remind them of what the task at hand is.
- Have a private conversation with students who seems to disturb most.
- Lastly, if all approaches fail, a mild punishment can be incorporated such as time out at the desk or out of the classroom.
BUILDING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE:
It is very important to encourage the students and appropriately praise them to build a positive climate. Discuss the expectations with students and motivate them by showing signs of a high level of confidence in their ability to do better. The teacher has a great deal of control on persuading the students' minds to thinking they are capable of being better and more disciplined by encouraging them, praising them and appreciating their accomplishments.
INCENTIVES:
In a classroom, extra incentives or rewards add interest or excitement, which leads to appropriate behaviour. Incentives could be a better grade, extra marks, recognition through certificates, stickers, etc. Other incentives could be allowing to do activities with friends, taking a short break, small material incentives such as books, pens, and games. These certain incentives improve the class climate and allow better behaviour of students.