Element #38

Displaying Objectivity and Control

• teacher must have cool, consistent demeanor to have good classroom management
• Don't take infractions personally
• 2 strategies: self-reflection; maintaining a cool exterior

Self-Reflection

• reflect on performance daily
• Reflect on consistency in applying consequences or acknowledging adherence to rules/procedures

Self-Reflection: Technology

• video yourself during student interactions and teaching strategies (reflect yourself and with a coworker)
• Keep a digital journal to reflect on strategies to show objectivity and control (Google Drive / Evernote)

Self-Reflection: Implementation

• Create a list of strategies that work for coworkers
• Keep a reminder to self-reflect in a location you will see daily (schedule a time to reflect daily)

Maintaining a Cool Exterior

• remain calm and collected when dealing with conflicts
• use assertive body language, self-monitor facial expressions, speak in a calm, respectful tone, actively listen, avoid engagement with student that argue/blame others for their conduct

Maintaining a Cool Exterior: Technology

• Use online random group generators for forming groups and calling on students to maintain objectivity (Team Maker)
• Use polling technology to allow students to respond to questions to also maintain objectivity

Maintaining a Cool Exterior: Implementation

• Use carefully worded emails/texts to communicate with parents and teachers that show objectivity about behavioral issues
• Use objectivity when posting comments to class website
• Demonstrate separation between students and their behaviors