Seating arrangements are important classroom setting events because they have the potential to help prevent problem behaviours that decrease student attention and diminish available instructional time. The purpose of this synthesis of empirical literature is to determine which arrangements of desks best facilitate positive academic and behavioural…

Good classroom management not only increases the amount of time students spend in learning but also reduces the time teachers spend supervising routine activities and helps to prevent discipline problems. Recent research on effective management practices suggests that the following factors are particularly important: (1) planning; (2) routines and…

The review of the literature on the use of room management (RM) procedures with severely disabled students concluded that RM may be an effective strategy for delivering individual instruction while maintaining high levels of group engagement in other students. RM can reduce problem behaviors and be maintained through positive monitoring and…

The difference between teachers whose classes run smoothly and teachers whose classes are out of control is that the effective teachers speak carefully, take time to give examples, and articulate reasons. Checklists are provided for developing a classroom management plan to reinforce productive behavior and rule out problems. (MT)

Suggests ways classroom teachers can prepare for absences and help make substitute teaching productive. Recommends forming a list of preferred substitutes at the beginning of the school year; clarifying with students expected behavior; and preparing a permanent substitute packet. (LS)

Three systems for organizing students during physical education classes are described. These systems are designed to save time for the teacher and minimize hardship for the students. (IAH)

Suggestions are presented to increase the special education teacher's organizational efficiency, focusing on instructional planning and use of time and space as they relate to classroom organization. (JDD)

Discusses grouping as the method by which ESL classes can be individualized, while at the same time serving to encourage student communication. Identifies three categories of grouping, along with the skill areas for which each is most effective. Also presents four classroom management models and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each. (EKN)

The state of the art of exemplary teaching in exceptional child education programs is spelled out in this report, which was generated from observations of such practices, particularly in classrooms in Jefferson County (Kentucky) Public Schools, and referenced against various professional standards. The best practice standards described focus on…

This 189-citation annotated bibliography on classroom management is organized in three sections: (1) Instructional Management; (2) Physical Management; and (3) Behavior Management. The first section contains references related to the diagnosis of learning styles, teaching skills, individualization of instruction, learning strategies,…

The author explains a school-specific lesson observation format that meets the specific needs of teachers and evaluators. The lesson observation components of teacher evaluation become a positive experience for both teachers and evaluators using this system. (MD)

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies key issues…

Describes a five-phase management procedure for activity-based science programs: teacher/student preparation, pre-activity discussion, distribution of materials, experimentation, and discussion and clean-up. Suggests that the classroom will be less restrictive but with enough organization and structure to maintain order during activities. (SK)

Suggested are two techniques of classroom management to help the beginning teacher. The first deals with methods of creating a classroom atmosphere more conducive to learning by making the classroom an orderly, inviting place. The second offers help to students in taking notes by providing time after students have listened attentively and…

The author proposes to student music teachers some preventive discipline measures which emphasize establishing credibility with students through one's own physical image, fairness, and willingness to share agendas with the class. (SJL)