Chapter 4

•A positive environment is critical to student success.•Educator must convey a sincere attitude of caring.

•Learning environment should be one of motivation, enthusiasm and excitement.

Promoting a Positive Environment

Professionalism in the Classroom

• Key: The educator’s image, attitude, and actions are often mirrored by learner’s behavior.

•It is vital that the educator project the best possible professional image at all times.

•By establishing credibility and authority, the educator will be more effective in maintaining order, respect and control in the classroom.

Principles of Managing Learner Behavior

•Educators will respect adult learners and establish the guidelines that will be followed in the classroom.

•By setting well-defined goals, guidelines, and expectations early on, future conflicts may be avoided.

•Educator may use the transfer technique which involves the learners in the process of establishing the guidelines for professionalism in the classroom. They

will be more likely to commit.•Guidelines should be set forth in a document outlining what is expected of them,

both in behavior and performance.•Educators should focus on positive means for enforcement.

•Hostility, ridicule, sarcasm and negativity are counterproductive to the objectives of the institution.

The following techniques are consistent with maintenance of good discipline

1. Low-Profile Intervention- This method uses the least amount of force necessary to deter or control a misbehavior. Minimal force is associated with minimal time and effort. Some low-profile techniques can be employed to avoid disruption.

• Ignore It: Often learner’s misbehavior is for no other purpose than attracting attention. • Name Dropping: This may work when a student is talking to another student.• Close Proximity: Physically move toward the learner who is in violation.• Eye Contact: It must convey to the learner that failure to remedy the misbehavior will

result in negative consequences.• Verbal Desists: Use of a verbal cue may stop behavior. Do not use hostility or sarcasm.

2. Uniformity and Consistency- Consistency is defined as behaving the same way on repeated occasions when the circumstances are the same or similar. Uniformity deals with consistency among different learners. Educator must fairly and uniformly apply and implement policies and procedures.

3. High-Profile Intervention- This requires force and may require more time and effort. It may be necessary for chronic misconduct. Keep in mind the seriousness, the timing, the behavioral history, the attitude of learner and personality.

Managing Chronic Misconduct

•The primary purpose of employing the control procedures previously discussed is to achieve immediate cessation of misbehavior by learners.

•The secondary purpose is to permanently eliminate misconduct.

•Some students may require high-profile intervention.1. Reprimands- This can be applied publically or privately. They should be brief

and to the point. Clarification and caring must precede confrontation if a resolution is expected.

2. Change the Consequences- It the determined consequences are not effect, it may be necessary to exact a higher cost for those students.

3. Agreements or Contracts- A written contract will add meaning to the agreement made between the educator and learner. A signed agreement carries a greater commitment by learner.

4. Conferences- A private conference between the educator and the learner gives both parties the opportunity to discuss the problems and potential solutions. The environment should be non-threatening. Focus on the violations, not the character of the learner. Ask sufficient questions to find out the view of the learner.

ActivityDirectionsCreate an Educator-Learner Agreement. Refer to page 79 in your course book for an example. Type the agreement, print it and place it in your learning binder. Place it in a page protector.

Academic Advisement

•Many state regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies require that the students have access to academic advisement.

•In addition, students whose academic or attendance progress is unsatisfactory must be counseled and provided with needed assistance.

•Educators may be called upon to provide information and advice to learners on subjects such as employment, licensing, regulations, and state laws.

•Educators must be prepared to provide references to those agencies that are qualified to counsel students.

•Educators should schedule regular sessions with every student to discuss their academic progress.

•Keep in mind that all human have a need for approval, recognition and appreciation.

Managing Difficult Learner Behavior

•There are several barriers that can prevent learning.1. Learning Barrier- Anyone or anything that prevents the student from achieving their

learning objectives.2. Situational Barrier- Temporary difficult behavior.3. Chronic Behavior- Behaves in a difficult manner consistently and effects others in a bad

way.•The educator’s role is to get the learner back on track without ridicule or embarrassment.

•Effective communication is critical in dealing with barriers.

Constant Attention Seeking and Interruptions

•Several strategies may be used to deal with negative behavior.

1. Pairs for projects- requires learner to work with another and acknowledge partners contribution.

2. Involve the group- call on all learners in the classroom.3. Play for prizes- using incentives encourages all learners to participate.4. Help is on the way- solicit the help of these learners with special projects.5. Bottom of the barrel- assign the least interesting projects to that learner. It will convey

that you do not reward undesirable behavior.

Chronic Tardiness

•Tardiness disrupts the flow of information for all learners. •There are several solutions for tardiness.

1. Thank you!- Give positive reinforcement and make sure students are tuned into MMFI-AM “Make me feel important about myself.”

2. Timely Beginnings- Start class on time. Starting late rewards the poor performers.3. What Did I Miss?- Start with a dynamic activity that they will not be able to participate

in if they are late.4. Break the Break Schedule- Consider a 5-10 minute break every 45-50 minutes. This

helps retain interest and focus. 5. Time Will Tell- Have all students synchronize their watches or wireless device to the

classroom clock. Everybody will agree that the time is the same for everyone.6. No Interruptions, Please- Depending on policy, latecomers may not even be allowed

into class.

Too Shy to Participate

•You will recognize these students by their lack of energy and passive attitude. •The challenge is that they are entering a field which requires outgoing, expressive

behaviors.•There are strategies that may help the student.

1. Keep Groups Small- They will be more likely to participate.2. Volunteer- Make sure that the first volunteers you select are asked to do something

completely painless and fun.3. Match with a Mentor- Make an effort to match a shy learner with one who is outgoing.

Sleeping in Class or Inattentiveness

•You may recognize this behavior by nodding off, closed eyes or audible snoring.

•There are several ways to deal with this behavior.1. Group Activity- It will create interest and stop the behavior.2. Involve the Learner- Get them physically involved such as handing out papers.3. Vocal Variation- Vary the pitch, tone and pace of your voice.4. The Biological Clock- Most learners need more physical activity in the afternoon and

theory in the morning. 5. Pairs for Projects- Assign learners to work in pairs which will intensify learner

participation.

Distracting Side Conversations

•There are several strategies that may be effective for this type of behavior.1. The Unspoken Message- Physically move towards learner.2. Ask a question to that learner regarding the topic of discussion.3. Pause and Whisper- Stopping for a few seconds can really grab the attention of the

learners.

Doubt and Pessimism

•You will be able to recognize these learners by their body language and constant argument.

•You may be caught off guard with their challenges.•There are several possible solutions for doubt and pessimism.

1. Just the Facts Please- Be prepared to present facts, figures and other concrete information. Just hard factual data.

2. Ask Why- Find out why they do not think it will work. It may be nothing more than the learners fear.

3. For Example- Offer real world examples.4. Convene the Court- Let them know that you can understand why they feel the way

they do. Explain that other students have felt the same way at this point in their training too. But they found when they practiced enough, these techniques produced their desired results.

Having All the Answers

•These learners have a comment for every single issue. Their participation can interrupt others learning.

•Some strategies prove effective.1. What Do You Really Know? Incorporate pretesting to identify students who may know

more vs. one’s that just think they do.2. Help is on the Way- Solicit their help for special projects.3. Question? Meet with this student on break and ask if they would be willing to take

questions on the subject from the entire group. If they are confident, they will be more than willing. If not, they will deny the opportunity and minimize their “know it all” attitude.

ActivityDirectionsCreate a list of student situations that may be difficult for you to address. Explain why they are difficult for you. List potential intervention that might be appropriate for each situation. Refer back to the chapter for help.