Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Blog

(1.) Why is good classroom management so important to students and teachers?
Good classroom management is important to students and teachers because it is allows them to be successful in a general education classroom. Students may to increase behaviors, decrease others, and learn new ways of acting in order for them to reach their full potential in the classroom.

(2.) Why should teachers never get into a power struggle with students?
Teachers should never get into a power struggle with their students because this is unprofessional and can lead to further disruptions in the class. As a educator it is important to diffuse the situation if it is turning into a power struggle. Some tips for a teacher include; engage students by providing a "hook" for each lesson at the beginning to keep them thinking and interested, try to understand the students background and home life, make a teaching moment, and never react or engage with the student in front of the class (it makes them embarrassed and sends a message that the teacher doesn't care). Remember not to react to every little distraction (unless it is distracting other students), keep your composure, don't attempt to have the last word, and do not use language that makes the student feel they need to become defensive.

(3.) Brandon has an emotional and behavioral disorder. There are several areas in his behavior which need improvement. How would you assist Brandon in changing the following behaviors? 
To assist Brandon to change his behaviors in the classroom environment, I would provide several different tools to help him improve. First, I would establish and communicate to him my expectations and goals for him regarding classroom behavior. Second, I would monitor his behavior continuously and positively reinforce his good behavior. As a teacher I believe that it is also very important to model good behavior, lead by example. Students look up to their teacher in more ways than they are aware. I would also try to get the Brandon's parents involved in this management. If Brandon has a common plan of action and expectations at school and at home, it will be easier for him to understand and implement these improvements. 

(a.) Brandon is aggressive to his peers. He hits them whenever he becomes angry or upset 
When Brandon is being aggressive towards his peers, this is a very serious problem. These aggressive behaviors could be bullying behavior which is not acceptable in any way. Brandon might be producing these behaviors because he is searching for attention or power. Therefore, It is extremely important that the teacher is not exhibiting these behaviors. Brandon needs to be continuously shown the appropriate behavior. To help Brandon change this behavior, the teacher could allow a open discussion where peers explain how they feel when they are bullied or picked on. The teacher could also teach a lesson on bullying. It is also important for Brandon to learn about self-monitoring. He needs to be taught how to realize when he is preforming these actions and how to stop. Self-talk, recognition, and problem-solving techniques are great ways for should learn Brandon to help him stop or avoid these aggressive behaviors. 

(b.) Extremely disrespectful to his teachers   
When Brandon acts in a disrespectful manner towards teachers, it is important to lose the battle, do not scold him, and stay calm. If you get upset, he has "won". The teacher needs to stay calm at all times and end the situation and move on. If the educator continues talk back and forth with the student, the situation will continue to escalate. Right after the disrespectful event, the teacher then should proceed with their day like nothing happened. Once the situation is forgotten or the student is no longer showing disrespectful behavior, the teacher should approach and deliver a consequence (making to explain why they are receiving this consequence) to the student regarding their disrespectful actions. Approaching disrespectful actions by Brandon in this way will allow the teacher to stay calm and model good behavior while enforcing rules and expectations. 

(c.) Refuses to follow teachers’ directions
When Brandon refuses to follow the teachers' directions, it may seem that he wants the personal power. When Brandon shows defiance and refusal to follow directions, it is important that the teacher stays calm and tackles the situation. The theater needs to respond fast and redirect. This can be done by being brief in directions, speaking calm and matter-of-factly, use short and direct statements, avoiding questions, and keeping a neutral posture. As a educator you need to avoid negotiating in these situations and give limited choices. Do not allow your student the power. Most importantly, make sure that you give the student time once you have give the student the consequence, redirection, or instruction. They may need time to decide what to do, they need space literally and emotionally. Allow them this time to choose the right direction.