Chapter 13

First, I would like to start creating my ideal learning environment by redesigning my classroom in a warm, safe, organized, and pleasant room.  I consider very important the physical environment where classes are given.  I strongly believe that if classes are developed in a warm place (a place that invites to stay) then student will tempt to be more comfortable and engaged in the learning process.  At the same time, it would be a place that facilitates the interaction between students and teacher.  Second, I would establish, together with students, the expectations and standards for everyone behavior since the beginning if school year.  It would involve discussion and explanation about why some behaviors are acceptable and others are not, giving them the opportunity to be part of the “setting rule” process, at the same time, setting precedent of how open I can be with them expressing their own opinions.  I would make sure to letting them know that they can count with me, that I will be there for them no matters what issue worries them, and without judgment.  I consider also very important the constant reinforce of caring and respect of the other throughout the school year, and as I said in class, if a teacher-student relationship start bad, I would try to enrich it by knowing more about that student and showing my respect as a person for him/her.  Overall, know my students the best that I can, because it will help me to understand some of their reactions and behaviors and be a better supporter for them.  I would involve students in management behavior by teaching them to ask the disruptive student to respect their time of learning.  Third, planning…. Oh! planning… I think it is the most important part of keeping my students engaged and enjoying learning.  Idealistic I would like to have activities that they enjoy doing it daily, but requires an enormous amount of time and experience that I currently need… but I will keep trying.  I personally think that setting a good routine plus using creative and enjoyable activities (using differentiate instruction when required) help student be on task for prolonged period of time and avoid misbehavior.  Fourth, create a two way parent–teacher communication.  It would help me to know better students background, at the same time, I can have parent supports in their kids’ education.  Finally, be constant with students and make them feel everyone is equal to your eyes; it would avoid inappropriate feeling in between students.

High School Case of Study:

It seems that my senior students’ class is out of control and establishing new rules and classroom procedures is a priority for me in order to get the class back on task.  My first approach to manage the situation would be to observe and collect data about possible events that could drive students’ misbehavior.  Then, I would start a conversation with the whole class remaining them what were our expectations at the beginning of the school year, and what is happening now.  I would point out some of my observations and encourage them to express their opinions and ideas. I would also express my concern on the consequence of misbehavior and lower grades upon graduation and I would offer my help for everyone, making sure they know I care about their success.  After making clear some important points, I would propose to establish, together with the student, new rules and procedures for the rest of the school year, giving them the “responsibility of making the rules” (even when I am supervising them) and making them feel that know it is up to them to graduate, because in a very short time they will be by their own and nobody will be behind them.  After that, I would call each parent letting them know about our situation and the actions that we, as a class, are taking to remediate behavior, so they are informed on their kids’ risk and progress.  It would be a second front of help for me to redirect the class management and implant my intervention plan.  Finally, I would research the possibility of implement the Restorative Discipline tool in my school, since it seems very effective in communities like the one I am currently working, to help students control themselves improving their behaviors and achievements.