Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
Chapter 5
The Learning Environment
As part of a universal design for classroom management, creating a safe and secure classroom
environment for students that is conducive to their learning is one of the most critical tasks for a
teacher.
Physical Setup of the Classroom
• In the planning of classroom space, the teacher needs to consider the physical
arrangement of the teacher’s desk and supplies, student desks, technology and other
equipment, other furniture, and any other spaces.
Advantages of Rows, Clusters, and Semicircles
o The effectiveness of classroom seating arrangements depends on the nature of the
interactions that teachers plan to have with their students.
o Student desks might be arranged in rows, clusters, or semicircles (often called U
shapes).
o The most traditional approach to classroom seating is to organize student desks in
Rules and Routines
• Rules and routines are part of a proactive approach to behavior and classroom
management and can help prevent behavior problems in the classroom.
• The number of rules should be kept to a minimum, and rules should be stated simply and
positively.
Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
Routines
• Routines help create an orderly environment in the classroom.
Schedules and Transitions
• Schedules help student know what to expect during the instructional day and during
particular class periods.
o Schedules help structure the learning environment to support students so that they can
function more independently in the classroom.
o Effective transitions help the teacher to minimize disruptions, increase instructional
time, and maintain optimal learning conditions.
Behavioral Management Models
• The classroom management system implemented in the classroom is one of the most
important factors in successful teaching and learning.
Lee Canter
o Assertive discipline is a systematic behavioral management plan that helps teachers
be consistent with behavioral expectations and provides appropriate consequences for
student behavior.
o Assertive discipline has five steps:
1. Teachers must recognize that they can and do have an effect on student behavior
in the classroom.
2. Teachers should learn to display an assertive response style.
Haim Ginott
o Teachers are an essential element in classroom management and that teachers who
demonstrate self-discipline serve as models for students.
o Teachers can create classrooms with “congruent communication” by doing three
things:
Jacob Kounin
o Kounin developed a behavioral management model based early intervention and
effective classroom management skills.
Fred Jones
Characteristics of Highly Effective Teachers
Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom