Case
Too much negativity

In my first internship, I barely saw any examples of positive reinforcement used in the classroom. The school's behavior management plan was highly ineffective, as the students did not care about the rewards that were offered. The only action that was taken in my classroom was yelling, turning off the lights, and making the students go to their seats and put their heads down. I know that my CT was fed up with the school, but I don't think she was making a huge effort to make her classroom a positive environment. How could you step up and make a change in such a negative school environment?

Posted on: 04/18/13 | Views: 1546
Solution #1
I would ask the CT if I could do an experiment. I would tell her that my college wanted to me try some positive reinforcement in a classroom. I would just talk to her about them first and get her input and let her know that you truly wanted to hear what she thought. I would then let her know the day that you were going to try it out with the students and see what she thought.

I think this is a great idea, that way you are (hopefully) making progress without telling anyone you think they are wrong.

I think this is a good idea. You are not stepping on anyone's toes, and you are willing to ask the teacher for feedback without just jumping into the situation.

This is a good idea.

8 0
Solution #2
With it being an Internship it is important to not step on any toes. I would ask the CT if I could try somethings that I have learned in my classes with the class, most teachers would go for that. I would make sure to use lots of positivity with the students because they are not use to it, that might make the students more willing to listen.
4 0
Solution #3
To some extent, you have to go along with the school's discipline program. There is a place for consequences, but in your own classroom you have control and you can add positive reinforcements. As you create your own positive environment, I would strive for a positive:negative ratio of 3:1 at least. Your student's behavior should improve, and if you keep a record of this, other teachers and administration will notice. Hopefully when they do see the change, they will invite you to explain your methods and help implement a new school-wide program.
3 1
Solution #4
Fun reinforcement is always a good option. I have seen classrooms that do class behavioral reinforcement. For example, they have a jar and anytime the teacher sees good behavior, she puts a marble in the jar. When the jar is full, the class gets a treat or fun activity. It builds good behavior and creates a strong classroom community.
1 0
Solution #5
I would create your own management plan and see how it works out. Also if you know your CT is fed up with the school and is taking it out on the kids my first step would be to talk to my supervisor and maybe even the administration depending on what my supervisor said.
0 0
Solution #6
You could ask the students what they want at the end of each week or quarter, etc. Have them work towards this with incentive points. Hold them individually responsible, but also hold them responsible as a group. This would allow for management in a positive way.
0 0
Solution #7
I think in this situation, as an intern, you could try to implement your own idea if it is okay with the teacher. If the teacher's behavior continues it might be a good idea to speak with an administrator. It could cause problems if you directly confront the teacher, instead let an administrator know and them maybe they could come and observe the class and investigate.
0 0