Common Mistakes

Through research and teacher interviews, we have compiled a list of common mistakes made by teachers that may hinder effective classroom management.  

Introduction

Literature Review

Methods of Research

Results of Research

Conclusion

 

  • Begin a new activity before gaining the students' attention.

  • Spend too much time with one student or one group and not monitoring the entire class.

  • Talk to fast.

  • Use "SHHHH" as a means of quieting students (one of the most annoying and ineffective behaviors).

  • Interrupt students while they are on task.

  • Overemphasize the negative.

  • Are way too serious and not much fun or are way too much fun and not serious.

  • Fall into a rut by using the same teaching strategy or combination of strategies day after day.

  • Use threats to control the class (short term, produces results; long term, backfires).

  • Verbally reprimand students across the classroom (get close and personal if possible).

  • Ask global or poorly worded questions that nobody likely will answer.

  • Try to talk over student noise (never, ever, do this, because when you do, you lose and they win).

  • Will do anything to be liked by students.

  • Introduce too many topics simultaneously (usually the result of poor planning).

  • Take too much time to give verbal directions for an activity (an inability to focus and explain effectively).

  • Overuse punishment for classroom misbehavior - going to an extreme when other consequences work better.

  • Use of humiliation and intimidation to discipline student behavior or gain respect.