Classroom Management
The art classroom has a very different dynamic from the technology classroom. The challenges faced go beyond the challenge of understanding student behavior (or mis-behavior), they relate to the differing activities, materials, and behavioral expectations of each class setting.
In the art room, students must be able to move about the room, using materials that can be dangerous or easily destroyed by lack of considerate care. The academic setting is complex in that students are expected to share both self-expression and respond to works of art created by others. This makes for a very vulnerable environment both emotionally, intellectually, and physically. The art room also features a variety of formally and informally organized learning activities.
In the computer lab, students traditionally are assigned to one location, a computer, and seldom move except to work in groups or do filming. The greatest risk in the computer lab in having a student off task is that the computer may be damaged or the devise is being used inappropriately.
For both classes the strategies for addressing discipline problems are the same.
1. Planning and organizing before the start of the school year.
2. Introducing and explaining the plan during the first days and weeks of school.
3. Monitoring the behavior of students to determine the extent of compliance and using corrective actions when necessary.
4. Following up on expectations and presenting students with a continuous stream of well-chosen activities that focus attention during group sessions and independent work times.
By monitoring the behavior of students and stepping in quickly when misbehavior occurs, the teacher maintains the credibility of their rules and procedures. The best way to make misbehavior unattractive to students is by presenting interesting and engaging lessons and by keeping students engaged in the work at hand. Misbehavior will always exist, as it enables students to explore their potential and acquire an awareness of their limitations. It is in the response to this reality that the teacher must apply skills that emphasize student achievement while minimizing misbehavior.
In the art room, students must be able to move about the room, using materials that can be dangerous or easily destroyed by lack of considerate care. The academic setting is complex in that students are expected to share both self-expression and respond to works of art created by others. This makes for a very vulnerable environment both emotionally, intellectually, and physically. The art room also features a variety of formally and informally organized learning activities.
In the computer lab, students traditionally are assigned to one location, a computer, and seldom move except to work in groups or do filming. The greatest risk in the computer lab in having a student off task is that the computer may be damaged or the devise is being used inappropriately.
For both classes the strategies for addressing discipline problems are the same.
1. Planning and organizing before the start of the school year.
2. Introducing and explaining the plan during the first days and weeks of school.
3. Monitoring the behavior of students to determine the extent of compliance and using corrective actions when necessary.
4. Following up on expectations and presenting students with a continuous stream of well-chosen activities that focus attention during group sessions and independent work times.
By monitoring the behavior of students and stepping in quickly when misbehavior occurs, the teacher maintains the credibility of their rules and procedures. The best way to make misbehavior unattractive to students is by presenting interesting and engaging lessons and by keeping students engaged in the work at hand. Misbehavior will always exist, as it enables students to explore their potential and acquire an awareness of their limitations. It is in the response to this reality that the teacher must apply skills that emphasize student achievement while minimizing misbehavior.