1. Create hope for the future. (Wong 2001)
Too many times students enter a new classroom with the mindset that no matter what, they are going to fail. Regardless of what grades students have gotten in the past and what their excuses are, I make sure all of my students know that I believe they can succeed. I do not accept a can't do attitude from any of my students and I believe that if a student only has just one person who believes in them, that it can make all the difference. After high school there are not many other times when someone is going to be taking a special interest in the uniqueness and struggles of each student that I have in my class and it is my responsibility to do the best I can to make sure each student has the opportunity to succeed.
2. Teach responsibility not obedience. (Wong 2001)
From day one in Kindergarten, students are told what to do and when to do it. They are given very little choice and few options about how they get to spend their days. The become so accustomed to being obedient that many times they do not even think to question the task they are given. In my class I try and emphasize responsibility instead of obedience. By the time students are in high school they should understand that all of their actions have consequences and every task they do means something. In my class I am constantly telling students why we are doing certain activities and how every time they do not complete something it effects the entire class. Students need to be aware of why they are doing things and why they should not blinding follow orders. I use this poster in my classroom as a reminder to my students as to what it means to be responsible.
3. Model behavior I want students to emulate (Wong 2001)
Even in high school, students are very impressionable. I know they are watching my every move and everything I do, say and wear is being evaluated. That is why I arrive to class early every morning and make sure to have my materials ready for class when it begins. I also dress appropriately for school just as I expect my students to. I also follow through with what I tell my students I am going to do. If I promise them their tests will be graded by the following week, I hold myself accountable to them. It is important to emulate these behaviors for students because these are all things they are expected to do. If their teacher shows up not ready for class or late, it shows them that they can do it to.
4. No-lose method of conflict resolution- (Claasen 2008)
Students need to learn to solve conflicts in a way that each party wins. This will allow them to maintain healthy relationships in future work places, other schools and with future personal relationships. The no-lose method makes it so that neither party can leave the negotiation until each party feels they have reached a resolution. This way each argument is truly resolved and will be more likely not to resurface.
5. Teach active listening (Claasen 2008)
Active listening is a very important skill for my students because it teaches them to show respect for others when they are speaking. Active listening involves truly listening to someone when they are talking instead of trying to think about what they are going to say next. Active listening makes everyone involved more engaged in the conversation and is very important when receiving important information or listening to someone you care about.
Claassen, R., & Claassen, R. (2008). Discipline that restores: Strategies to create respect, cooperation, and responsibility in the classroom. Booksurge.
Wong, H., & Wong, R. (2001). The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher. Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.
Even in high school, students are very impressionable. I know they are watching my every move and everything I do, say and wear is being evaluated. That is why I arrive to class early every morning and make sure to have my materials ready for class when it begins. I also dress appropriately for school just as I expect my students to. I also follow through with what I tell my students I am going to do. If I promise them their tests will be graded by the following week, I hold myself accountable to them. It is important to emulate these behaviors for students because these are all things they are expected to do. If their teacher shows up not ready for class or late, it shows them that they can do it to.
4. No-lose method of conflict resolution- (Claasen 2008)
Students need to learn to solve conflicts in a way that each party wins. This will allow them to maintain healthy relationships in future work places, other schools and with future personal relationships. The no-lose method makes it so that neither party can leave the negotiation until each party feels they have reached a resolution. This way each argument is truly resolved and will be more likely not to resurface.
5. Teach active listening (Claasen 2008)
Active listening is a very important skill for my students because it teaches them to show respect for others when they are speaking. Active listening involves truly listening to someone when they are talking instead of trying to think about what they are going to say next. Active listening makes everyone involved more engaged in the conversation and is very important when receiving important information or listening to someone you care about.
Claassen, R., & Claassen, R. (2008). Discipline that restores: Strategies to create respect, cooperation, and responsibility in the classroom. Booksurge.
Wong, H., & Wong, R. (2001). The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher. Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.