How do I get this class under control?

Hi,





I am teaching Integrated Algebra (math) to high-school-aged students and am having problems with one class in particular. The class is a mixed group of 9th-12th graders (10th-12th mostly class repeaters) with about 25% special ed. population. The class is at the end of the day. About 8 students out of the 29 enrolled are incredibly disruptive to themselves, their peers, and ME. I can barely think when I'm teaching them because I spend so much time trying to manage their behaviors. Here is what I've done so far:





- Created strict rules at the beginning of the year, posted these rules in/around the classroom.


- Told them that they are taking away from others learning.


- I did absolutely nothing for a good 15 minutes while they were talking and asked them who was frustrated that I wasn't doing my job (most of the class raised their hands). Then I told them how we both have jobs to do and we both NEED to do them.


- Implemented a seating chart, they just shout across the room now.


- Started keeping track of their time wasted by using a timer on the smartboard.


- Implemented a strict routine.


- Stood outside of the class and welcomed everyone, by name, individually to class.


- Started class only when I had full focus.


- Highlighted all of the positive things students are doing.





I think that's most of my efforts. Tomorrow I will be giving out ';warnings'; for lunch/after-school detentions.





What am I doing wrong? What else can I do?How do I get this class under control?
This is a tough situation and you have taken concrete steps to improve the learning environment, and I believe you deserve a lot of credit.





I wish that there was a silver bullet here, but I will speak from experience and hopefully a few techniques that I tried may help. When I taught, I did not like making my problem other people's problem. I had a very good department chairman, and his support also helped.





1. sending students out of the class like others have suggested works but it only means that you put off for another day what you need to address: control. It is an option that you should use as a last resort.


2. detention doesn't work, but the dean should be aware of your most problematic students, and schedule detentions.


3. I had a tough class one year and took many of the steps you did. What worked for a few was the thought of failing. I hated to use grades to enforce discipline, as oftentimes, disruptive students act out because they might not know the material. IDEA: After a long period with a class one day, I called up three students who made learning difficult that day. Because it was the end of class, they were anxious to leave. I turned my roll/grade book around and showed the big fat red zeros next to their names. I told them that ';you have a zero for the day.'; Before they could react they needed to leave for their next class. An end of day class means that you can gather your things and leave. They look stunned after I showed the zeros and only had to apply it every so often. Honestly, there was no such thing as a ';zero for the day'; in my grading process.


4. When students spoke out of turn, I crossed my arms, said nothing, and stared until they stopped. Usually the disruptive student is the only one speaking, and he becomes a bit embarrassed afterward listening to his own voice as others look on. Do this often when someone is speaking out of turn or disrupting the class.


5. POSITIVE IDEA: It took a few years to master keeping kids totally vested and responsible for their own education. I use to have 2 to 3 students do their homework on transparencies. They presented the work and I facilitated. It really works! It keeps them engaged, and I found that I would have more volunteers than I needed. My computer savvy students would put their homework on PowerPoint and present it. Students get to see how others process information. If something is ';wrong'; on the presentation, other students eagerly point it out. I use to say that there were no wrong answers, just missing information.


6. Call parents and even request a meeting for the most disruptive students.


7. Talk to other teachers who have reached the most disruptive students. Sometimes a teacher who speaks to a former student has a lot of power and influence.





You sound like a wonderful teacher. Everyone gets a class from hell once in a while but you will be stronger for the experience. Luckily, it is still early in the year and you will take control.How do I get this class under control?
Kick them out of class. Do not put up with disruptive behavior. You're too soft on them. Warnings? OOOOO I bet that will scare them. Just tell them NO MORE and when someone acts up, send them to the office to wait for you. Then after class give them a weeks worth of detention, or a Saturday detention. No more warnings, no more bargaining or being nice, enough is enough.
i'm in highschool my self i've notice that some teachers will say there going to write them up or detentions etc. but they never really do that and they have the same problem as you do


you just have to be firm and be sure to give out the punishments or else they will walk all over you
Go down to the local sporting store. Purchase a wooden canoe paddle (not plastic, rubber, anything else ONLY WOOD). Find a drill, and a big bit (you want to drill holes about 1 inch in diameter). Drill several holes fairly evenly throughout the flat part of the paddle (do not skip this step, it's important; but do not drill so many holes that the structure is compromise, it needs to still be solid). Bring the paddle into the classroom. When a student acts out, pull him up to your desk, bend him over and swing the paddle toward thier ***. Repeat this action 5-10 times or so, depending on the circumstance. It won't take more than a few demonstrations in front of the class to keep them in line. Hire a lawyer, because stupid parents like to sue over things like this.
You're going through what most of us teachers have had to endure.


We've all had the ';class from hell';. The problem here is that you've got a group against you that is testing you. Don't give out warnings -- give out immediate detention. With strong-willed kids, threats don't work.


Possibly these are kids who have trouble with math anyway, and their behavior is due to a lack of self esteem. You may need to contact the parents, and you may need to ask the principal or vice-principal to come in and observe and speak to the kids. Right now, these kids think they have the upper hand. You need to take the reins, with help if necessary.