Gwen Ryan

Team Leader ~ ADHD / Behavior / TBSI / Child Find

PH: 254-297-1159

Email: gryan@esc12.net

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Classroom Management Tips for Teachers

Start the new year with a positive reinforcement system to motivate and encourage appropriate classroom behavior. What is positive reinforcement? Positive reinforcement is anything that occurs after a behavior that increases the likelihood that the behavior will reoccur. If teachers can properly match reinforcements to students, positive reinforcement is a much more effective way of improving the overall behavior of all students in the classroom. The key to effective reinforcement is finding out what truly motivates students. It is only positive reinforcement if the desired behavior reoccurs. Primary aged elementary children are often reinforced by special attention from the adults in their school. With intermediate students, peer attention is usually more positively reinforcing, In junior high and high school, activities involving peers, early outs, no homework, and writing notes are typically reinforcing. Teachers can determine what is positively reinforcing to their students by simply watching what activities students choose when they have free access to do whatever they want or what they do a lot of. For example, if students talk to their friends or write notes, teachers may choose to let them earn time to do that The most common reinforcement systems are independent group contingency where each student earns rewards based on their own behavior.and interdedependent group contingency where the reinforcement of the group is contingent on the behavior of the whole class. Regardless of the system that you choose to use, make sure that it is inexpensive and fun. Don't invest a lot of money as the system may become too expensive to maintain. The teacher should always control access to the rewards. If students have access without earning the privilege or reward it will loose the desired effect.

For additional ideas send an email to gryan@esc12.net.

For assistance or technical support with classroom management please contact :

Gwen Ryan

(254) 297-1159

gryan@esc12.net