Week 5: Setting High Behavioral Expectations

I think 100% compliance for certain behaviors is probabbly realistic. It would have to be something done daily and given great importance by the teacher either with a grade or some sort of reward system. I find that my lack of certainty destroys my ability to control the students behaviors. I've learned so much already, but there are so many things that happen on a daily basis that I'm not prepared for. These things throw me off track and it's difficult to get going once you're off track. I'm trying to figure out which battles to fight. To me, the most beneficial part of the reading is the idea that behavioral expectations need to be evaluated on their merit. The behavior needs to have purpose. If a student asks me why we're doing something a certain way I need to have a better answer than because I want you to. I would be happy at this point with 70 percent compliance with anything, but maybe that's why my class is so chaotic.

2. On pages 172-175, Lemov details the least invasive forms of intervention (in order of least to most invasive). Which of these do you find most effective with our students? Why?

I think positive group correction is the most effective. I like to make sure students who are complying see that I appreciate it. The only problem is I find the culture of not doing anything trumps the culture of doing work. I think I need some sort of reward system to reinforce the value of good work habits. I feel like anytime I correct a student they feel the need to show in one way or another that they will do what they want when they want.