new teacher q & a

I can’t get my students to follow my classroom procedures

Oct 9, 2008 4:11 PM

Q: I can’t get my students to follow my classroom procedures. I’ve told them what to do and handed out copies of the rules and procedures. But the kids just don’t do things the way they should. What can I do?

A: It’s good that you are trying to establish routines in your classroom. Routines give students structure and also make more time available for learning. However, research shows that the best way to get students to follow rules and procedures is if you teach, model, rehearse and reinforce them.

For example, most teachers want to establish good routines at the start of the class so students settle down and are ready to learn. Those routines might be: 1. take seats; 2. unpack book bags; 3. place homework in a designated location; 4. begin an opening activity.

The rule of thumb is: Anything you want students to do independently, teach it explicitly. To teach any routine, write the sequence of steps on the board, read them out loud and explain or answer questions about them.

Next, have one student demonstrate or model each step so the procedures are very clear. Then have all students rehearse the procedures while you guide and coach them along. When your students are following the procedures correctly, reinforce their behavior with words of praise.

But that’s not the end. Research shows that it takes as much as six weeks to turn procedures such as these into established routines.

So, the next day — and for additional days down the line — you should plan to reinforce the entire sequence again, guiding and coaching students through the steps and praising them as they do them well. If students are having trouble following a particular routine, post a visual reinforcement listing the steps in sequence. Then you can refer them to this poster or chart as needed. If the procedures break down after a weekend or vacation, go back to re-teach the routine.

Keep these steps in mind whenever you want students to do things a particular way. It may take a little extra time, but it will pay off in a more orderly classroom where everyone can focus on learning.