Minimizing poor behavior in STEM lessons
Minimizing poor behavior and getting students to stop talking during a STEM class can be achieved through a combination of strategies that create a positive and engaging learning environment. Here are some effective approaches:
Establish clear expectations
Set clear and specific classroom expectations and rules from the beginning. Write a contract and break down your expectations. Add examples to ensure students understand what is considered acceptable behavior.
Positive Reinforcement
Recognize and reward students for good behavior and participation. Use praise, class dojo, certificates, or a reward system like a prize box to motivate positive conduct.
Engaging Lessons:
Create STEM lessons that are hands-on, interactive, and relevant to students’ lives. Engaging lessons can reduce restlessness and the desire to talk off-topic.
Active Participation:
Encourage active participation by posing questions, promoting discussions, and involving students in experiments and activities.
Group Work:
Assign group projects and collaborative activities. Students are less likely to talk off-topic if they are engaged in group tasks.
Use Signals and Cues:
Develop non-verbal signals or cues to get students’ attention or indicate that they should stop talking.
Time Limits:
Set time limits for specific tasks or discussions. When students know they have a limited time to interact, they would be more focused.
Clear Instructions:
Provide clear and concise instructions for activities and assignments, reducing the need for students to ask for clarification.
Choice and Autonomy:
Allow students some choice and autonomy in their learning. When they have a say in the direction of the lesson, they are more likely to stay engaged.
Redirect and Refocus:
When you notice students talking off-topic, gently redirect them back to the lesson’s subject without disrupting the entire class.
Visual Timers:
Use visual timers to help students track the time allocated for tasks, keeping them on track.
Behavior Contracts:
Develop behavior contracts with individual students, setting clear expectations and consequences for their actions.
Parent-Teacher Communication:
Maintain open communication with parents, discussing behavior issues and seeking their support in reinforcing good conduct at home.
Peer Role Models:
Identify students who consistently demonstrate good behavior and designate them as peer role models. Their example can positively influence their peers.
Active listening games:
listening is a learnt skill, so practice listening with your students.
Just wait:
if it gets to noisy, just stop and wait. Let them know every second they waste is time they miss in working.
Quiet time:
If all else fails you can give the students a worksheet to do while others keep doing stem fun, or give them some time out on the carpet.
Remember that managing classroom behavior is an ongoing process, and different strategies may work better with some students than others. Consistency in applying these strategies, patience, and a focus on creating a positive and engaging learning environment are essential for long-term success in minimizing poor behavior and maintaining a productive STEM class.
