Kevin Silva

3/9/2016
Prompting Positive Behavior by Preventing Misbehavior

Classroom Rules and Expectations

One of the best strategies to prevent misbehavior is by clearly explaining students what
they are supposed to do or not allowed to do during the class. Teachers cannot assume
that students know the rules and consequences for misbehavior just because they have
been exposed to them in school. Consequently, Teachers need to address this technique
on the first day of class. Furthermore, in order to make sure that students follow the rules,
teachers need to follow up the rules, monitor students behavior, and remind them as
many time as possible about what is expected from them.

Classroom Structure to Discourage Misbehavior (Jones)

If teachers want their students to participate in class without involving in misbehavior, it
is a good idea to arrange the classroom in a way that teachers can see and monitor every
student. It is important that this technique be implemented at the beginning of the school
year so students know where they are supposed to be sat. A lot of students like to be
closed to their friends so they can talk. When this happens, students are less likely to
participate and pay attention in class. By placing students in specific seats, teachers can
have a better management of the classroom. Besides, this fosters students participation
and a positive learning environment.

Meeting with every student in the first weeks of class

A lot of teachers ask themselves the question why does that student act like that? Some
teachers try to eradicate students misbehavior, but they do not try to find out the reasons
behind it. According to Thomas Gordon, teachers need to learn about their individual
students needs, interests, and abilities. This will allow them to make instructional
decisions based on their students. A good way to implement Gordons idea is to meet with
every student at the beginning of the school year. This can give teachers an idea about
students background, weaknesses, and strengths. As a result, when they experience
problems with students, they can know the reasons and find solutions for the problems.

Kevin Silva

3/9/2016

Assign other assignments for those students that finish early

Teachers will always find those fast students that are capable to complete tasks earlier
than their classmates. In that case, teachers not only need to be aware of them but also of
their classmates that are still finishing the assignment that the fast students just finished.
According to Jacob Kounin, teachers need to be able to handle more than one situation at
a time and in an appropriate amount of time. It is a good strategy to have a back-up plan
for those students. For instance, if students finish early their assignments, you can give
them the opportunity to work in other assignments silently while their classmates finish.
You can even give them some reading time than not only will keep them on task but also
improve their learning process. This way, you can prevent misbehavior and foster a better
learning experience.

PAT (Preferred Activity Time, Jones)

As we all know, it is important to motivate students. Some teachers use reward systems
that reinforce positive behavior. Nonetheless, some students get used to that system;
consequently, they work hard only for the reward rather than for learning. A good way to
foster students learning process is by giving them the opportunity to perform the activity
they want in class. The activity has be related to the topic of the class. It is a way to allow
student learn in a way that they enjoy. Teachers can introduce this strategy at the
beginning of the year, and let students know that they will perform the activity they want
only if they achieve the objectives of the class.