Posts Tagged teaching procedures

Procedures are Better than Rules

On September 11, 2013   /   Effectiveness  

Very often, what a teacher refers to as a rule is really a procedure. We need look no further than to one of the first rules primary students are given. They are taught the classroom rule of raising one’s hand to be recognized by the teacher before speaking out. The same rule is taught year after year. I have even seen this rule posted in eighth grade classrooms! Simply reminding students that this is a procedure, rather than a rule, places the teacher in the position of a coach and eliminates an enforcement mentality.

We too often assume that students know what we know and what we would like them to do. This assumption is faulty. Teach procedures—such as how … >>>

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The Raise Responsibility System & Noise Levels

On October 25, 2011   /   Effectiveness  

I received the following communication:

“I’m a retired electrical engineer. I recently began working as a substitute teacher handling any subject from grade 3 up through grade 12.

“The biggest challenge is to keep the noise level down and the smart alecks from disrupting the class. Things have sure changed since I went to school!

“So I have approached the challenge by being strict. Smart alecks, mainly 12-year-old boys, end up standing facing the wall until they apologize for disrupting the class. I knew there had to be a better way, so I spent some time in the local library and discovered your book. I am going to teach 6th grade tomorrow and I plan to implement your suggestions in … >>>

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Using the Levels of Development

On February 7, 2011   /   Discipline  

Question:

This will begin my second year of teaching. Last year, I had trouble with behavior in my classes (7th grade). I have been reading your book. I like what you have to say; it makes sense to me.

I would like to begin teaching the levels of development right away, but I have some reservations.

(CLARIFICATION: The two lower levels describe behaviors; the two upper levels describe motivation.)

My question: How soon should I begin to teach your system? Colleagues keep telling me to be tough at the beginning of the year, that it is easier to loosen up later in the year than it is to try to regain control of an unruly class. I … >>>

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