Assessment #6
Considering what you know about building relationships, persistent expectations, and the social/emotional needs of children, how would you apply the statement "fair is not always equal" in terms of working with students in a classroom?
"Fair is not always equal" does not apply in my classroom. Students, parents, and administrators will complain if I have different deadlines for some students or allow some students to eat lunch in my classroom. The real world is not always fair and that is what I'm charged to prepare students for.
Which Love and Logic inspired "one-liner" would you use to respond to the following student situation? Why? "Mrs. Edison that is just not fair! You told me I could sit with Jackie to finish my project and now you are making me sit with Jose?!? That is just not fair. You know I don't work well with him and that he is always asking me all these questions while we work. You PROMISED that I could work with Jackie. Don't you remember?!?! YOU ARE SO UNFAIR! UGGGG!!!!""
"I bet it feels that way."—Because this would show compassion towards the student and recognizes she does feel that the situation is unfair.
"I'm sorry I didn't finish my mapping project it has just been so crazy at home. My mom has been in and out of the emergency room the past few weeks so I've been trying to pick up extra shifts at work to help cover the bills. After my dad left things have just been harder.""
"I would give the student an extension on the deadline for his project, reach out to the counselor's office to see if he is talking to a supportive adult in the school, and open my door to him at lunch for whatever he needs—a quiet space, a place to rest for a minute during the day, or extra help in his school work. I'd also let his other teachers know what is going on in case they noticed changes in his mood or academic performance. I want to make sure he feels supported emotionally but also continues to be successful academically."
Based on your knowledge of preventing classroom management issues, what would you recommend to the teacher below?" My first year of teaching was really tough. I had students walk out of class, talking over one another, and we never seemed to get through a lesson the way I had planned it. As I am planning for my second year I would love some advice on how to avoid a year like my last one! What advice to you have?"
"I would recommend providing students with very specific procedures over broader rules. It sounds as though students in your class did not know exactly what you expected of them. If you provide them with specific expectations and describe what they look like, the students will have more clarity in what an ideal classroom looks like."
Consider the new teacher descriptions of how they prepared for their first day of school below. In your opinion, which teacher planned for her first day in way that will set up her classroom for success throughout the school year?
"I've researched all of my students as much as possible—I've collected data from previous tests, interviewed their former teachers, and sent surveys to the parents over the summer. I think I know what I am getting and that we will find success together this year."
Which teacher, based on the quotes below, has worked to create teacher-student relationships in which a positive classroom climate can be achieved?
"I've worked hard to create an environment and relationships in which I neutralize student arguments and also delay consequences. I do not allow students to pull me into an argument and I also recognize I cannot respond immediately to every situation."
Consider the following quote: "A win-win approach emphasizes giving students' opportunities to develop self-management and self-control, freeing up time otherwise consumed by reminders, punishing, or reporting kids. It leverages cooperation and commitment by offering some control and autonomy within a structure that protects the teacher's ability to teach and the students' ability to learn." (Bluestein, 2011) Which teacher below adheres to this philosophy in her classroom?
"In my classroom I am very conscious of developing my students' unique talents and never comparing them to one another."
Of the statements below, which best supports the idea of group management and group focus?
"In my classroom I prefer to manage behaviors through active participation and holding all students accountable. I use a "popsicle stick randomizer" and draw names so students never know who will be called on next."
How would you apply what you've learned about social and emotional learning to develop a plan for helping kids develop these skills in your classroom?
"In planning for my classroom I am trying to meet my students' academic needs as well as their emotional needs. I recognize that my students are coming in from unpredictable home lives and I will greet them each with positivity and open arms. I will not lower my expectations for them if they are having a hard time at home, but I will be flexible with my expectations so they can achieve learning in their own time and way."
As a new teacher, according to research, which attitude and plan will allow you find more success in time management in the learning environment?
"My first step will be to explain, rehearse, and reinforce procedures. I will slow down at first in order to speed up for the remainder of the school year. I also plan to have smooth transitions between lessons and clear expectations for how students will pick up and put away materials for different activities. I will also use a timer to create a sense of urgency for tasks at hand.
As a new teacher, according to research, which plan will allow you find more success in classroom management?
"My plan is to teach and practice procedures from day one and to also start building relationships with my kids from the beginning. As I get to know my kids I might have to make adjustments to my original plan."
Which of the following is an example of an understandable procedure for a classroom?
"Need to use the restroom? Give me the "crossed finger" signal and will let you know if it is a good time to go."
Which of the following are effective one-liners Love and Logic suggests to use to show empathy in the classroom?
"Nice try.", "Let's pack up our materials."
According to researchers Fay and Funk there are "gold and garbage" statements used by teachers in classrooms. A gold statement is one that is an enforceable statement and gives the students choice. From the list below, choose the gold statements:
** not "Do your homework and turn it in tomorrow."
Which of the following quotes from a teacher illustrate her understanding of the power of building positive interpersonal relationships in creating a classroom community?
** not "In high school the personal relationships with students do not matter as much as they do in elementary school—I am more a teacher of the content. If a student has a passion for the content I build my relationship through that. If a student does not have a passion for my content they build a relationship with the teacher of the content they do have a passion for."
What are key features of creating consistency in a positive classroom environment?
** not Asking students how they are doing, reviewing rules and consequences, and reminding students they will lose their incentives if expectations are not followed
According to Fred Jones, "Proactive management is more than a set of procedures. It is a mindset. It is the way a person thinks when success is not negotiable, and it just happens to be easier in the long run." (Jones 2007) Which of the following teachers takes a proactive mindset?
** not I've set up a learning environment in which students know that if they are not on task or are disrupting the learning of others the principal will be called and there will be a consequence."
Which of the following statements falls under the "authoritative management style"?
** not Please look back at our norms. Does that behavior respect our norms?"
Which of the following statements expresses patience and persistence towards a student that would most likely result in a positive relationship between the student and teacher?
- "As we worked on her math assignment after school I listened to the latest drama the soccer team was going through between each problem. At the end of the tutorial she was better at long division and we came up with a solution to the problem she was facing with her friend." -
Which of the following statements demonstrates the teacher's understanding and use of reinforcement?
- "I gave Andy a star on his paper after he finished the first five activities. He often has trouble in the second half of activities when we do work in stations in class." - "I contacted Merideth's choir director to her know how well Merideth is doing in my class. The choir director told Merideth about my comment and I noticed Merideth working even harder in my math class the next day."
How would you use your school's framework for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to your advantage in your classroom?
- "I would use the school's plan to prevent behavior issues and tweak it to be similar for my own classroom so the students have consistency in expectations." -
What do you think is the appropriate action of school personnel, including yourself, when you hear or know of a student who is pregnant?
- "If I suspect that a student is pregnant, I should see if I can have a conversation with the student if I have the right relationship. If I don't have that relationship I must still report it to the counselor and principal so they can ensure the student is safe/healthy." -
Read the following descriptions of teachers provided by their students. Which teacher(s) is (are) encouraging accountability in his or her classroom?
- "Mrs. Edison would have us score the presentations of other groups as they presented their research in our biology classes. This helped me to stay focused and, honestly, pay more attention to what my classmates were saying." -
What can you as a teacher do and provide in your classroom in order to prevent classroom management problems?
- Build Relationships and provide a safe and secure environment -
According to research, what are key features of consequences that teachers can use which will benefit students and behavior?
- Consequences should be delivered in a calm, consistent, manner. -
How does a well-established culture and climate support a classroom environment that promotes learning?
- Culture and climate have the potential to influence learning by allowing the teacher to be in a position of both teacher and facilitator—students do not demand that their teacher gives them the answer but are willing to work towards it on their own. - -
What are potential key parts of building relationships with students in order to have a stronger classroom management system?
- Empathy towards students, understanding of legal responsibilities when supporting students, modeled expectations, rewards for positive behavior -
What is a key component of facilitation in the classroom?
- Facilitation requires tight classroom procedures and expectation in order to give students more freedom in the learning experience. -
Which of the following are recommended steps to take in order to build a positive teacher-student relationship?
- Find out what your students like - -
Read the description of a classroom provided by a new teacher. Do you agree with the planning and practice in her classroom? Why or why not? "I've set up my classroom to have shared control between myself and the students. I really want kids to feel like they have a voice in their learning and what class looks like every day. I try to give kids lots of choices in the readings we have and menus of assignments to complete. I model everything for the kids over and over again. I want kids to be clear on what is happening in class and what is expected of them."
- I agree with her practice because she models for her students. -
How would you design your classroom when considering the zone of proximity in order to ensure a positive learning environment?
- I would consider the behaviors students have exhibited in front of me during the first few class periods. I would place students who struggle with academics and behavior closer to me and those that are able to perform independently further from me in the classroom. -
Why is important to deal with disruptions quietly and avoid confrontations?
- It is important to deal with disruptions quietly and in a non-confrontational way to avoid one incident turning into a multiple-student incident. -
According to research, what are ways to manage time in the classroom?
- Managing time through chunking the class into specific blocks of instruction. - -
What do districts and researchers recommend new teachers invest more time in to strengthen their classroom management?
- New teachers should invest more time in the social/emotional aspect of what students need to learn. -
Why is over planning important to do in your first year, and potentially future years, of teaching?
- Over planning is important because it is hard to know how long a class will take to complete an assignment. If they finish quickly you will be able to move on to the next concept without losing valuable class time. - Over planning is important because you need to always be taking grades. Parents want to see grades updated constantly in the gradebook.
According to research, what is the best way for students to understand and consistently follow classroom rules and procedures?
- Students will need to have rules and procedures taught as well as reviewed and practiced over time to reinforce the expectations of the classroom.
Which of the following are disadvantages of giving children multiple chances?
- The student is not taught to monitor his/her own behavior. - -
According to the article, "Characteristics of an effective classroom culture," how does a teacher establish a culture that promotes learning?
- The teacher needs to share control in the classroom and gives students a voice. - -
Which of the following message(s) does a well-managed classroom send to students?
- The teacher wants children to know what is expected of them when they enter the classroom. - -
Which of the following are benefits to giving children decision making authority in the classroom?
- They learn how to make good decisions about their learning. - -
Which of the following are examples of activities that assess knowledge and also build relationships with students in the classroom?
- Writing autobiographies - -
What types of behaviors, according to studies, are considered "caring"?
- patience - -
What is the difference between an incentive and a reinforcement?
A reinforcement and incentive are essentially the same thing as they are used to encourage only positive behaviors.
In which of the following situations should a teacher use an authoritative classroom management style?
A teacher should turn to an authoritative style when a student is talking to another student during direct instruction and stand close to them (proximity control)
According to research, how does praise influence student behavior?
ALL
Which of the following explanations provides a strong support of the role of active listening in the classroom?
ALL
What are the key parts needed in order to make a successful Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework in a school building?
Adults demonstrating what is expected, planning to identify and establish systems to prevent behavior problems, rewards systems for good choices and behaviors
Consider the classroom described below. Do you agree or disagree with the time management strategies you see being used within the class? Why or why not? "Ms. McKend's World Geography class always has something going on. Kids are moving around the classroom and know exactly where supplies are, where to turn things in, and when it is appropriate to do these things. There is always a timer going and one student at each group will use their phone to check-in with students with how much time is left for the assignment. I've seen Ms. McKend readjust the pace of a lesson when less time is needed and increase time when students were working hard but slower than she expected."
All
Which of the following are part of a great classroom management plan?
Building a relationship with administration, planning for my own procedures in the classroom, and getting in touch with parents early on in the school year
What is the relationship between a positive classroom climate/culture to learning?
Classroom climate and culture influence learning directly—if a teacher establishes a positive environment learning will occur. -
How does a strong classroom management plan allow for the teaching and learning of content?
Classroom management gives students the structure they need in order to engage in academic lessons.
Which of the following is/are characteristic(s) of well-managed classrooms?
Clearly identified procedures which support learning and
What is the difference between climate and culture when considering a classroom environment?
Climate is "the usual...conditions in a place", whereas culture is "a way of thinking, behaving, or working...in an organization". The effective teacher needs both a positive climate and a culture that defines how students and teachers work together.
How would you prioritize your response to the following student situation? "I can't finish my project Mr. Owens. I'm kinda confused and I was up all night trying to write the paper...well, I was also up all night because we had to go pick up my brother in San Antonio. He got arrested again and so we had to bail him out...[sigh]...I'm just really tired, but I can work to get this paper done. Do you think I could get an extension to turn the paper in next week?"
Confirm that he can have an extension on the paper to ease his stress; talk to him about his brother to find out how he is handling the situation emotionally; reach out to this other teachers to let them know the student is having a tough time at home; notify the counselor that he is a student in need of extra support during this time
Imagine that you are hired midyear to takeover a classroom from a teacher who quit in November. Which approach would you take to set your classroom up for success?
Consider climate and culture and plan for what type of learning environment I want to establish and develop a plan before stepping into the classroom so you can begin teaching expectations from day one.
What key features would you include in your own classroom to ensure for smooth classroom management?
Consider what parents that send their children to the school expect and use this to drive my plan.
What is the function of empathy in the classroom?
Empathy allows students to see their teachers understand them and want to work with them to help them be academically successful and emotionally healthy.
Why, according to Bob Sornson, is empathy preferable to sympathy when working with students to build a positive classroom environment?
Empathy from teachers allows students to feel as though they are understood.
What is one benefit of planning and working towards a student centered/ student empowered classroom?
Eventually students will be invested by choice and doing the learning on their own with the teachers facilitation of prompts and questions to deepen the students' understandings.
Read the description of a classroom below. Consider what you know about ideal teaching and learning practices and diagnose: what does this teacher need to consider in order to improve the learning environment? "I'm in my first year of teaching and am feeling so frustrated with the number of discipline problems I'm having. I try to start class and the kids just won't listen. The students talk over me and one another when I call on a student for an answer to a question. They run around the room, they don't know where to put the supplies, and we never get through the lesson the way I planned. I need help and am not sure what step to take next!"
He needs to consider the difference between classroom management and discipline and plan beyond a set of rules. This will require him to get to know his students in order to determine what their needs are and create structures to provide them with this.
Consider the way the teacher below describes her use of time in the classroom. Do you agree with her use of time? Why or why not? "I try to let students go with their own flow. I do not like to use a timer in my classroom because it creates unnecessary stress for my students. If they are struggling with something or are slow to get started we take more time on it. My transitions are not very smooth but I'm okay with this—we eventually get to the next steps. If we don't finish the lesson it is okay—there is always tomorrow!"
I disagree with her use of time because her lack of procedures and not holding the kids accountable to time do not create a sense of urgency in the learning environment.
How would you solve the following dilemma using what you've learned about getting and keeping kids on task and engaged in the learning?" "I feel like I ask my class a million times a day, "Guys, are you listening? Guys, are you awake?" I'm not sure what to do. I've planned quality lessons and give students feedback on a regular basis. I feel as though I can't keep their attention on the learning."
I would advise this teacher to develop, teach, and model a strategy for signaling to kids they are off task or their voice levels are too loud. I would try something like a hand signal to pull attention back to me and redirect their attention.
Read the description a first year teacher provided of her classroom below. What advice would you give to this teacher? "I feel as though I've sent up my rules and procedures well, I've posted these expectations in the room as well. I spend my weekends writing detailed lesson plans and assess my students on a regular basis. I feel as though I'm doing everything right, but it is just not working and students are not responding well to me. What should I do?"
I would recommend including more positive interactions within your classroom routine. It seems as though you've done everything that you've learned in "teacher school", but the kids don't know your personality and how you will react to them. Try greeting them with as they enter the class with a "Good morning! I'm glad you are here today!"
How would you organize a lesson in order to get kids on task from the beginning of class?
I would start my lesson with review of rules, procedures, and consequences every day for the entire year. By doing this I ensure there is no confusion about my expectations.
What is the relationship between a strong classroom management plan and a strong learning environment?
If a strong classroom management plan is in place parents will be heavily involved and remind their children of expectations the teacher has for the classroom. When students are reminded of expectations by the teacher and parents' academic gains will be made throughout the school year.
What are the key differences between a classroom with rules versus a classroom with procedures?
In a classroom with rules, students may not be as clear on what daily routines should look like as rules are often general. In a classroom with procedures, students will have a clearer understanding of what daily routines should look like as well as what happens when the procedure is not followed as procedures are much more specific.
Which is the most important reason for new teachers to master classroom management?
It will help them to do well on their evaluations from their appraisers.
Which of the following is the best description of how to establish high expectations for learning?
Negate discipline issues; always give immediate and strict consequences; encourage respect
Why are nonverbal cues an important tool in classroom management?
Nonverbal cues are gentle reminders to students, individually or as a group, that their behaviors are off-task.
Do you agree with the use of Love and Logic one-liners in the classroom? Why or why not?
One-liners have a place in the classroom if the teacher is able to show care and compassion as they say it. If they fail to express care and compassion it will come off as sarcasm.
Which of the following practices are incorporated, according to Dr. Fred Jones, by teachers who have strong classroom management?
Organize in advance and organize with purpose
Which of the following describes the difference between "overlapping" and "with-it-ness"?
Overlapping is when a teacher is able to take attendance and also support students as they start their warm up. Whereas with-it-ness is when a teacher is able to anticipate that around ten minutes before the bell a student will lose his focus and need a gentle reminder to stay on task for just a few more minutes.
Review the descriptions of teachers below and identify who applies empathy to the situations he or she faces:
PETERS
What is pacing when considering a positive learning environment?
Pacing is the rate at which teachers correct student behaviors which should be constant.
Of the summaries below, which is the best plan for classroom management?
Prevention by establishing rules, consistency with clear and easy to follow standards, and have clear expectations for learning
According to research, which of the following is an effective process for teaching any behavior?
Provide a rationale for behavior, explain the expected behavior, model the expected behavior, practice the expected behavior, and monitor & provide feedback on the behavior.
When developing a classroom management plan, which of the following should be a priority according to Rick Smith and Mary Lambert?
Safety and structure
Consider the following situation described by a teacher and choose which method of classroom management could solve the issue between her and the student: "Tony has not completed any assignments this current grading period and I was not exactly sure what to do. I tried calling home, after school detentions, and his grade continued to suffer. Nothing was working! I then decided to try a menu project and gave him several different options. Tony chose what to work on and finished the assignment!"
Shared control because it will allow the student to feel as though they have some measure of choice within the classroom.
Which, according to Kounin's theory, are key pieces of instructional management?
Smooth transitions, strict consequences, and phone calls home will prevent misbehavior.
What is the most likely reason students will talk out of turn or interrupt other students while they are talking in the classroom?
Students are likely to test the boundaries to see what they can get away with in a new teacher's classroom.
When considering a classroom management plan for any age of students, what type of plan should a new teacher develop?
Teachers should create a plan that allows them to react to any situation a student presents.
What is empathy?
The ability to feel pity and sorry for something's misfortune.
What are possible results of implementing a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework in a school?
The school culture would shift to intervening in the moment rather than constantly planning for what could happen.
Explain what struggle the novice teacher below is having based on her quote below: "I've been struggling with Joan for several weeks now and I accidently blew up on him. I assigned him three days of after school detention after he once again was disturbing other students. I review expectations daily with Joan. I feel bad about it but think it is best he knows how I feel and that I, his teacher, am frustrated with him. He is not turning in homework, he is not doing work in class, and he is disrupting others and taking away from their learning."
This teacher is struggling to stay calm when faced with a challenging situation.
Consider what you know about best practice in the classroom. How would you develop the best plan for your classroom in order to have an effective learning environment? To create the best plan for my future classroom I would first consider...
What are the structures needed for all students to be successful and how can I start building relationships with all my students?
Which statement below supports the important role empathy plays in the classroom?
When a student understand that you are empathetic towards them and their situation they will perform better academically in your class.
What is a key factor to consider, as a novice teacher, when determining where a student should sit within a classroom?
Who belongs in what Fred Jones identifies as the "three zones of proximity" based on their needs?
How does persistence from teachers benefit students in the classroom?
all
How would you compare a PBIS framework versus a traditional discipline system?
all
How would you use what you've learned about substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and other issues children face to support your students?
all
Of the reasons below, which are most likely to be a struggle for novice teachers in terms of incentive systems?
all
What data can a school collect to determine whether or not a framework for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) would benefit the student population?
all
What does the "instructional management" style philosophy associate with misbehaviors?
all
What is social and emotional learning?
all
What type of culture does a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework create in a school?
all
Which of the following habit(s) indicate an authoritative classroom management style?
all
Which statement supports the need for social and emotional learning in all types of schools?
all
Why is time management an important skill for novice teachers to practice and master?
all
Which of the following teachers' descriptions best summarizes the concept of "with-it-ness"?
not ** "I've looked back at all my kids test data from the past three years. I know exactly who needs to sit in my small group at the front of the room based on this data. I've also looked back over previous discipline data, including write ups from past teachers, I know who my trouble makers are based on this." not **
Which of the following describes the way a child can feel in a positive classroom environment?
respected, understood, safe
