Top 10 CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT Tips in 10 Minutes

Summary

In this video, Thom Gibson shares ten effective classroom management tips designed to enhance student engagement and foster a positive learning environment. Key strategies include establishing a seating chart from day one, implementing short breaks during longer classes, and greeting students warmly at the door. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations, addressing disrespectful behavior privately, and providing opportunities for collaborative discussions. Gibson also introduces techniques like 'Starbucks mode' for autonomy in learning and suggests using a hall refocus sheet for behavior reflection. These practical tips aim to help educators create a conducive classroom culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Establish a seating chart on the first day to provide clarity and structure for students.
• 🕒 Incorporate short breaks in longer classes to enhance productivity in the second half.
• 👋 Greet students at the door to create a positive and welcoming classroom environment.
• 🔇 Wait for silence before giving instructions to ensure students are attentive.
• 📋 Use a visual cue like the word 'noise' to manage classroom volume during group work.
• 📝 Avoid calling out students by name to redirect them, promoting a smoother classroom dynamic.
• ☕ Implement 'Starbucks mode' to allow student autonomy while setting clear expectations.
• 💬 Encourage discussions through 'turn and talk' or 'think, pair, share' activities for better engagement.
• 🚪 Handle disrespectful behavior privately by speaking with students outside the classroom.
• 📄 Use a hall refocus sheet for students to reflect on their behavior and document incidents.

Q & A

What is the first classroom management tip presented by Thom Gibson?

The first tip is to have a seating chart on the first day of class. This helps reduce confusion and establishes order from the start.

How should teachers handle student complaints about their seating arrangement?

Teachers should acknowledge the complaints without apologizing and encourage students to talk privately if they have concerns about their seating.

Why is it beneficial to have a break during long classes?

Taking a short 3-5 minute break during classes longer than 45-50 minutes can increase productivity and engagement in the second half of the class.

What is the recommended approach when greeting students at the door?

Greet students by name, make eye contact, and engage in a positive interaction, such as a handshake or high-five, to foster a welcoming atmosphere.

What should a teacher do before giving instructions to students?

The teacher should wait for silence before starting instructions to ensure all students are paying attention and to reinforce the expectation of listening.

How can a teacher manage noise levels during group work?

The teacher can write the word 'noise' on the board and erase letters as noise increases, eventually leading to a silent work period if necessary.

What is the concept of 'Starbucks mode' in the classroom?

'Starbucks mode' allows students to work wherever they choose with whom they want, fostering autonomy, provided they adhere to established ground rules.

What strategy does Thom recommend for encouraging student participation?

Implementing activities like 'turn and talk' or 'think, pair, share' gives students structured opportunities to discuss content, enhancing engagement.

What should a teacher do when a student behaves disrespectfully?

The teacher should remain calm, avoid public confrontation, and ask the student to step outside for a private conversation to address the behavior.

What is the purpose of the hall refocus sheet?

The hall refocus sheet helps students reflect on their behavior when sent out of class, facilitating understanding and documentation of incidents.