KEYS FOR MANAGING CHALLENGING STUDENT BEHAVIORS

• Instead of holding your students with an iron grip, allow them to be themselves until (and unless) their behavior distracts you or others in the class.
  
• When you notice unproductive behavior, nip it in the bud. Otherwise, you send a clear message to the students that it's OK for them to talk while you are talking, etc.
  
• Use classroom management techniques before you become irritated, impatient or upset. We are much more powerful when we are centered, when we like out students, and when we view our students with fondness rather than impatience.
  
  
  
  
• Allow students to save face. When we put students down in front of others, the entire class of students will turn against us.
  
• Do all you can to feel good about yourself and others on a daily basis. Your attitude will come across to your students, so it is important to be in good mental and physical shape.
  
• If, by chance, you feel that you have spoken sharply in an attempt to manage your students, own up to it. "Wow, that sounded harsh. Forgive me!"
  
• Remind yourself: "If teaching were easy, everyone would be doing it." Teaching in front of a classroom full of students can be challenging, but on the other hand, very rewarding!
  
  Reference: Adapted from: California Nurses Association, AIDS Train the Trainer Program for Health Care Providers (1988)