Proactive Classroom Management
Classroom management is most effective when:
- Faculty engage students at the beginning of the semester and discuss their expectations for classroom conduct.
- Behavioral expectations are included in the course syllabus, specific to standards for classroom conduct.
- Behavioral guidelines are consistently enforced and applied fairly.
- Faculty respond in a calm manner to behavioral disruptions.
- Faculty initially address mildly disruptive behavior by engaging the student in a conversation about their behavior in a meeting outside of class.
Peak times of increased student stress
- Semester start and end
- Midterms
- Holidays
Issues that may increase student stress
- Financial or legal problem
- Pending assignments, final exams, workload
- Divorce, roommate, or relationship conflicts
- Health issues
- Returning home for the holidays
When you are concerned
- Tell them you are concerned
- Know campus resources
- Do not be afraid to ask questions
- Know your limits and when to refer
- Consult for advice