Preventing Behavior Problems

Classroom Arrangement

Teachers can enhance student learning and prevent student disruption through careful arrangement of their classrooms. A well-planned classroom can lead to both increased teacher monitoring of student behavior and more effective overall classroom management. First, the classroom should be arranged so that teachers and students will be able to see each other at all times. When teachers have a full view of the entire classroom, they increase their ability to monitor students effectively, thus increasing the opportunities to intervene as soon as problem behavior begins. Similarly, when students can see what is going on in the classroom, it can increase their involvement in class activities, thus preventing unwanted behavior. Conversely, when teachers do not have full view of the entire classroom, student inattention and misbehavior may increase because the behaviors may go unchecked.

Second, an effective classroom is arranged to facilitate easy teacher movement among all students and to all classroom areas. When teachers can circulate among students easily, the result is more effective teacher monitoring and more frequent contact with students, thus preventing student misbehavior and increasing student engagement. Classroom areas that are used frequently, such as the pencil sharpener and computer stations, can become sites for distractions and disruptions. High-traffic areas should be separated widely, be easy for students and the teacher to see and access, and student access should be controlled. Lastly, frequently used materials should be readily accessible so lessons flow smoothly and breaks or slowdowns are avoided.

Procedures, Rules, and Consequences

Procedures, rules, and consequences are an important part of preventing problem behaviors in the classroom because they prescribe the set of student behaviors necessary for the fluent operation of a classroom. Teachers should not assume that students understand how to accomplish daily tasks efficiently, but rather teachers should (1) teach the classroom procedures, rules, and consequences; (2) provide practice opportunities; and (3) check for understanding. When students are taught the classroom rules and procedures explicitly and when they understand the positive and negative consequences that go with them, the classroom will run smoothly because there will be less confusion about what needs to be done, in what manner, and when.