Positive Interactions and Risk-Free Teacher Responses (Occasional Teachers' Column)

Reinforcing positive behaviour is a far more effective strategy for creating a positive learning environment than  challenging a student's behaviour through  negative reinforcement. Positive and authentic praise, smiling, nodding, and other appropriate gestures have a direct effect on your relationship with your students.

Don't Let your emotions rule

In challenging situations,  recognize those that trigger certain responses in you and avoid being trapped by your emotions. This is far easier said than done. Mentally rehearse your responses. Remember you are learning a new strategy; it may take time and practice to master this new behaviour.

When you are  confronted with challenging situations  you don't  know how to deal with, do not overreact. Walk away, count to 10, and take a deep breath. You are the professional. The time spent  regaining your composure may seem like an eternity, but is quickly forgotten by the waiting students. When you do respond be  clear that  it is the  behaviour, not the student, that  upsets you. You  might say: "You may think that's  funny. I think it's disrepectful behaviour. The consequence for further comments like that will be working on your own."

Report extreme student  behaviour to the office or another  teacher. The Occupational Health and Safety Act protects you from violence and harassment.

Consequences are more effective than  punishment 

When  dealing with students  remain firm, fair, and  consistent.  Recognize the difference between consequences and punishments and act accordingly. Consequences must be relevant, immediate, and fair.

Engage students

Encouraging student involvement that is designed to meet one or more of your students' basic needs will  always  help   your  classroom  management. Used appropriately,  response opportunities  and active  participation  by students   contribute  to student achievement and class harmony. The more you can involve students in the daily program the more engaged they will be.

You could

• encourage students to contribute to the class
• allow students to be helpers
• give students  choices in creating the classroom environment
• give students the opportunity to comment positively about each other
• ask a student to repeat what has been said
• direct a student to the  correct response.

Sometimes  students  will  respond  incorrectly, foolishly, or  unintelligibly on  purpose  to gain attention. Do  not  be  trapped  by this  negative behaviour. Try to overlook  the  response and immediately redirect  the  class to  the  lesson or the  activity.  Responding to  the  inappropriate message will only  reinforce the  behaviour and cause further problems.