Troubleshooting+for+Novice+Teachers

= Problem 1: = = Heavy Backpacks Blocking the Aisles =

Backpack weight: Obstructions and Disruptions in Your Class:
 * This situation certainly requires collaboration with other teachers. When you speak with colleagues, suggest that you stagger homework deadlines so that students can leave some of their belongings in their locker, in the classroom or at home.
 * Talk to your students to let them know how concerned you are about their health and their stress level. Ask for their suggestions on how to solve the problem.
 * Consider involving parents in finding solutions
 * Find out why students feel the need to carry so much. Do they need more time to go to their locker? Do they need advice on how to manage their materials?
 * When students have backpacks in class, expect them to place their backpack under their desk or as close to them as possible in order to leave a safe aisle.
 * Take a team approach to keeping backpacks stowed safely. If they are involved in creating the solution, students will be able to police themselves and each other. Working together on the problem will increase the chances of successful resolution.

**Problem 2:** = Drumming on Desks =
 * Pay attention to the times when the drumming happens and who it disturbs. Is there a pattern? Is anyone being disturbed?
 * Consider the reasons for the behavior. Is it a bad habit, a means of stress relief, or a way to attract attention? Is there some other cause?
 * If you overreact, other students may begin drumming to annoy you.
 * Consider establishing a signal with the student, who may not be aware when he or she is drumming.
 * Give the student a pad to drum on. This will lessen the noise and reduce the distraction.
 * Suggest that the student soften the noise by adding an eraser to the end of the pencil or pen
 * Move the student to a place in the room where the drumming will not disturb others.
 * Sometimes playing soft classical music will mask the sound of the drumming or distract the student from drumming entirely.

**Problem 3:** = Excessive Noise = //Your class is too loud! You sometimes have to shout to be heard. When your students work productively in groups, you don't mind the noise as much as when your students are engaged in personal conversations and off task activities.//


 * Never talk over noise or shout to be heard in your classroom.
 * Don't allow noise to get out of control. Once students are very loud, you will have to get them to stop being noisy. You'll find it easier if you begin to control noise levels as soon as class begins.
 * You should not try to assume control of a noisy class without enlisting the cooperation of your students. Ask for suggestions from your students about how to manage noise.
 * Some noisy activities are just not acceptable. Teach your students that it is never acceptable to talk during a movie, talk when you are giving instructions or lecturing, shout at any time, talk during a test or other quiet activity, or talk across the room to classmates.
 * When you plan activities that have the potential to be noisy, consider moving to a part of the building where you can't disturb other classes.
 * Don't plan group activities without teaching students how to control the noise level of their groups. One way to do this is by using distances as noise measurements. For example, students should find a one foot voice useful for working in pairs and a three foot voice when working in groups. When you give directions for an assignment, tell students the acceptable noise level for the activity.
 * Model the noise level that you want from your students. If you speak softly, your students will follow your lead. If you shout, you will dramatically increase the noise level in your class because students will see this as permission for them to shout too.
 * Be consistent in enforcing the noise levels that you expect from your students. Set reasonable time limits and stick to them so that students will learn to manage their own noise.

**Problem 4: ﻿ ** **Defiance** // One of your students has made a mess while working on a project in class. When you ask that the mess be cleaned up, your student refuses, saying, "Why should I?" //


 * Absolutely refuse to reply to a defiant student in a rude way. Silence is better than a sarcastic retort or insisting on compliance. Do not argue or raise your voice.
 * A first approach to try is looking surprised and saying that you thought you heard wrong. This gives the student a chance to back down. If this happens, just carry on with class. Later, meet quietly with the student and discuss the situation calmly.
 * Another approach many teachers have found effective is talking quietly and privately with the student. Begin by asking the student to tell you what is wrong and offering your help. A confrontation will only make things worse.
 * If the situation persists, you must involve the student's parents or guardians and an administrator. Meet with them and the student to work out a plan to solve the problem.