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Positive Classroom Climate Term Paper

Positive Classroom Environment One of the most important jobs facing a teacher is the job of creating a classroom with a positive climate. It can be a challenging task, but children learn best when they feel safe and secure in their school environment (Brownell & Walther-Thomas, 2001).

Experts recommend a variety of approaches. One of the things that affects a classroom negatively is punishment for infractions of behavior. Teachers often have an arsenal of options for punishment including time out, removing privileges, or suspension (Brownell & Walther-Thomas, 2001). However, although punishment reacts to behavior problems, by itself it cannot teach the student a better way to act. Because of this, educational experts recommend taking steps to prevent behavior problems so they don't have to be dealt with (Brownell & Walther-Thomas, 2001).

Suggestions for behavior management include taking a wider view of discipline than simply a rule of rules and consequences. Along the way, the students must be to learn to make good choices and to take responsibility for...

She argues that rules should be made with the process. When that happens the students help establish the behavioral expectations. As a result of the discussion, all the students understand both the rules and the need for them. She recommends that the students actually define the rules so it is very clear that they understand what the rules mean.
Other experts have looked at choices teachers can make to head off behavioral problems. They recommend such things as ignoring minor behaviors and suggest instead that the teacher use positive means to refocus the child. Redirecting rather than reprimanding has a positive effect on classroom atmosphere (Brownell & Walther-Thomas, 2001). In addition, this author suggests giving students choices regarding how to meet instructional goals (Brownell & Walther-Thomas, 2001). This process will involve the student in the instructional process just as they have been involved in the rule-making process.

Others…

Sources used in this document:
Berkley, Leonard G.; Keyes, Barbara J., and Longhurst, James E. 2001. "Bully-Proofing: What One District Learned about Improving School Climate. Reclaiming Children and Youth: 9.

Brownell, Mary T., and Walther-Thomas, Mary T. 2001. "Stephen W. Smith: Strategies for Building a Positive Classroom Environment by Preventing Behavior Problems. Intervention in School & Clinic: 37.

Pastor, Peggy. 2002. Classroom Practice: School Discipline and the Character of Our Schools. Phi Delta Kappan: 83.
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