Teachers early in their careers experience problems when managing classroom behaviors. Classroom rules are identified on the basis of effective classroom management since they are easy to implement as well as prevent behaviors that are challenging from occurring. This essay will discuss the essential characteristics of effective classroom rules that teachers take into consideration.
Before the beginning of class sessions, teachers are supposed to teach the rules to the students. When the students understand rules as well as routines that are defined, they strictly adhere to them. As a result, this ensures the classroom to spend more time in learning and less time in dealing with disciplinary cases. Classroom rules become easy when students apply them consistently. On the other hand, rules can be made in collaboration with the students; as a result, giving ownership to the students (Larrivee, 1999).
Effective classroom rules adhere to preventive discipline. Rather than dealing with disciplinary cases after they have occurred, teachers prefer preventing misbehavior. This was not practiced in most of the classrooms that I attended. Teachers are supposed to come up with rules that include steps to be taken to prevent instances of indiscipline. Additionally, the rules should have a plan to avoid distractions in the classroom as well as modifying the environment of the classroom to make it more compatible with the learning needs. Preventive classroom rules are implemented to inhibit the occurrence of inappropriate behaviors.
Also, teachers are supposed to tie the rules to positive as well as negative consequences. Consequences are part of the structure that enhance the working of rules. Students need to know the penalties for breaking up rules. As a result, the students are in a position to choose whether to follow the rules or not and incur the negative consequences. Teachers are supposed to empower students and help them make the right choices.
Appropriate rules set high expectations for the behavior of the students. Additionally, they should be few and stated clearly. When consequences are tied to the rules, students become aware of the response if they break the rule. Teachers should reinforce the rules positively, for instance, presenting intangible rewards (Burden, 2016).
References
Burden, P. (2016). Classroom management: Creating a successful K-12 learning community. John Wiley " Sons.
Larrivee, B. (1999). Authentic classroom management: Creating a community of learners. Allyn " Bacon.
