Behavior Problems

These past few weeks I learned some valuable information to help with classroom management and behavior problems. I just finished reading my feedback from my professor over my first submitted Video Observation Assignment. I still remember over twenty years ago when I had my first evaluation. It came from my store manager when I was 17. I was taking a Marketing class in my Senior year of High School and employer evaluations were part of my grade. That day, my manager said the only improvement needed was for me to stop being defensive when corrected at work or shown new ways. I immediately snapped back at him, saying that I wasn't defensive. He immediately snapped back and said, "Perfect example." I ran in to him a few years later and told him that day changed my life. I now seek out feedback and guidance. One gives you authentic feedback because they care. You can't learn and grow until you become vulnerable and willing to listen to advice. I listened this past few weeks from feedback from two teacher mentors: my professor and on-site supervisor/teammate. My professor gave me great advice to keep my class engaged which would help with behavior management. She told me to ask "higher-order" questions instead of only telling the answers. Even better, she suggested spelling out a word associated with our lesson to get them to their seats quickly and quietly HELLO?! So simple, yet so genius! My on-site supervisor said to tackle behavior during my Library Guided Reading Station and to keep them on task, I should only allow them to choose books from a book bin collection of my own choosing. This way they are not just flipping through the same book day after day and only wasting time until the next rotation. Sound and solid advice that boosts my students' academic performance, but also maintains a positive, calmer classroom environment.