When teachers are faced with minor disruptions it can often times be more effective to praise the good behavior of students while ignoring the bad behavior. While this “praise-and-ignore approach” will not solve all classroom management problems, it can be quite helpful, but only if done correctly.

Unfortunately, praise is not always given appropriately and effectively. Many teachers are merely “handing out compliments” and this will not do much to improve behavior.

Here are some tips for using praise appropriately:

1. Be specific in giving praise ~ Make sure praise is tied directly to appropriate behavior. Make sure the student understands the specific action or accomplishment that is being praised. For example, “Thank you for raising your hand and waiting to be called on” is much more effective than simply stating, “Great job.”

2. Recognized genuine accomplishments ~ Do not praise uninvolved students just because they are quiet.

3. Base praise on individual abilities and limitations ~ Focus the student’s attention on his or her own progress, not comparisons with others.

4. Connect the student’s “success” with the student’s “effort” ~ Don’t imply the success is based on luck. For example, “I noticed that you studied and double-checked your test questions this time, your test score reflects your hard work…great job!”

5. Make it believable ~ Don’t give undeserved praise to students and don’t attempt to influence the rest of the class by praising one or two students. For the most part praising students will help those particular students only…not necessarily the rest of class.

******

If you can’t manage your classroom you can’t teach!

Adam Waxler, a full-time social studies teacher and adjunct education professor, has developed a FREE 5-part

Classroom Management e-Course…

Learn simple classroom management strategies that will result in an immediate and definite decrease in classroom management problems

To sign up for this FREE course visit:
www.Classroom-Management-Tips.com

*******

Share