I happened to see an email from a teacher designating a list of students as those who would be assigned an “alternative” final project. Alternative in this case meant easier. Evidently, this group of students failed to meet a series of benchmarks leading up … Read more
What does it matter? Who cares if students wear their pants below their waist or show more skin than you’re comfortable with? As long as it doesn’t interfere with your teaching, what’s the big deal? It’s a style, a fashion statement. It allows them … Read more
Classroom management has always taken a backseat. Now it’s sitting in the trunk. Since the (official) end of the pandemic, behavior standards have fallen down a mine shaft and have yet to hit bottom. It’s maddening. In recent articles, I’ve covered why this is … Read more
Walk into any classroom anytime of day and chances are the class will be in the middle of a discussion. Led by the teacher, the dialogue will typically narrow to a predetermined conclusion. Sometimes an assignment will follow. Often, however, it will not. —Because … Read more
Many students do poorly because they believe they’re incapable. They’re just not good at school. And it shows in their lack of enthusiasm toward learning. This in turn causes more failure, which further reinforces this belief. It’s a never-ending cycle. Tragically, most teachers make … Read more
I’ve spent many years observing teachers. And there is an odd phenomenon I’ve noticed among a large percentage. When teaching what they believe to be difficult content, almost without fail, they’ll pause and let students know that it’s difficult. “Listen up, because what comes … Read more
I love to read aloud. I find it to be one of the great joys of teaching. Done in a certain way, it’s also an effective classroom management strategy. Because it encourages a more respectful, peaceful room environment. It calms, soothes, and inspires. It … Read more
When teachers first implement an effective classroom management plan . . . By teaching and modeling it in detail. By following it exactly as it’s written. By being consistent day after day. . . . they’re often shocked by how peaceful their classroom becomes. … Read more