Module One: Setting the Stage
This module sets the stage for the entire course by introducing you to three approaches to classroom management and clarifying the difference between classroom management and discipline. In this course, you'll participate in discussions with the whole class as well as with others who teach at your same grade level. Your first individual assignment gives you the opportunity to define your personal vision of teaching; having a clear understanding of what you would like to experience in the classroom will enable you to manage your classroom more effectively.
Module Two: Creating an Inviting Classroom Environment
Often classroom management is associated with rules and procedures, rewards and penalties, order and control. These issues are essential to consider and are covered throughout this course. However, classroom management is also about creating an environment where
- people treat one another with courtesy and respect
- students follow rules, not out of fear, but because they feel ownership for them
- the teacher's goal is not so much to control students' behavior, but to create opportunities for students to develop and exercise control over their own behavior.
In this module you will explore the relationship between caring and control and learn eight specific strategies for creating an inviting classroom climate.
Module Three: Structuring a Positive Physical Environment
Space matters, both directly and indirectly. A well-arranged classroom sets the stage for effective learning and prevents many classroom management issues before they ever begin. In this module you'll learn six functions of the classroom setting and explore how to create a positive physical environment.
Module Four: Establishing Rules and Procedures
The foundation of the learning community includes the rules and procedures by which everyone is willing to live. These agreements keep order; establish a safe, secure classroom environment; guide students’ actions; and foster greater learning. Once the classroom parameters are established, it’s vital for everyone—you and your students—to consistently follow them. Thoroughly teaching and practicing the rules and procedures gives students the opportunity to understand and commit to them. When your actions match your words, students know they can trust that you mean what you say and they don't need to find their boundaries by constantly testing the rules.
Module Five: Maintaining Momemtum and Flow
In an orchestra, timing is everything. One of the most important tasks of the conductor is to "keep time"—to keep the flow of music moving smoothly, not too quickly and not too slowly. Likewise, one of your most important tasks as a classroom teacher is to keep the flow of instruction moving.
Module Five Outcomes and Activity Checklist
Module Six: Reinforcing Positive Behavior
We do better when we feel better: that's the basic premise on which the concept of promoting positive behaviors rests. In this module, you'll examine the different types of rewards and learn strategies for reinforcing positive behaviors through meaningful rewards.
Module Seven: Responding to Misbehavior
So far in this course you've focused on the Proactive Approach to classroom management. However, no matter how hard you work to stop problems before they start, sooner or later a student will do something that you find unacceptable. What do you do when that happens? You respond by choosing from a variety of strategies. There are many types of misbehaviors and an equally broad range of options for responding appropriately and effectively.
Using the Responsive Approach to classroom management, you'll consider the Three Steps for Responding to Misbehavior and learn how to use a Hierarchy of Responses. You'll also select appropriate strategies and evaluate plans for responding to misbehavior.
Module Eight: Benefitting from Support
Your students benefit from support, but so do you. This final module explores ways you can get the support you and your students need to be at your best. Support can be directive (active) or nondirective (passive). It may come from a variety of sources including families and colleagues. Support can even come from within yourself as you practice stress reduction strategies that lead to resilient attitudes and behaviors.
The Final Chord of this module concludes with a culminating activity which draws upon the content you've learned and practiced throughout the entire course.