This intervention uses review of classroom behavioral expectations, daily
prompts, and (optional) student self-monitoring 'spot checks' to improve
classroom behaviors.
Materials:
Respectful Classroom poster (see Step 2)
(optional) student Respectful Classroom self-monitoring slips
Steps in Implementing This Intervention
Step 1 (Optional): Select an incentive that students can earn, either
individually or as a group for appropriate classroom behavior.
For example, you may decide each week to award individual students grade
points for exemplary behavior. Or you may instead create a classwide reward
system, with points earned by individual students being added to the class
total toward cumulative reward such as a pizza party.
Step 2: Set aside at least 15 minutes at the start of a class period to
introduce the Respectful Classroom program.
Tell students that they are expected to follow the behavioral expectations
listed on the "Respectful Classroom" poster that accompanies this
intervention description.
For each of the behaviors below, give examples in which students would be in
compliance or out of compliance, demonstrate (through role play and
discussion) what these respectful behaviors look like, and answer any
questions students may have about how each behavior is defined:
RESPECTFUL CLASSROOM POSTER TEXT
Respectful Classroom Behavioral Expectations:
Use a respectful tone of voice
Do not tease others or call them names
Follow adult requests quickly and without complaint
Pay attention in class and get our assigned work done.
Step 3: Follow these guidelines when the program has begun:
At the start of each class period, pick one of the four behavioral
expectations listed on the Respectful Classroom chart. Select a different
behavior each day. Take 2 minutes to remind students of the rule and review
examples of it. During the class period single out at least 3 students and
praise them for using the behavior being showcased that day.
If a student clearly violates one of the posted rules, call the student's
attention to the fact that he or she broke a rule. Ask the student to read
the posted Respectful Classroom rules and to acknowledge which rule he or
she violated. Ask the student what they might have selected as a better
behavioral choice.
Inform the child that if he or she complains about your taking a point, you
will deduct additional good behavior points.
Step 4 (Optional): Once or twice per week, hand out student self-monitoring
slips at the end of class. (Pick dates for student self-monitoring randomly
so students cannot know beforehand if they will be rated.)
Tell students to think about how well their behavior in class that day
conformed to the Respectful Classroom expectations--and to rate their
behavior globally on the slip.
Collect the slips and dismiss the class, but randomly select 3-5 students to
remain. Briefly review their behavioral ratings with each of the selected
students. Give them feedback about why you agree or disagree with their
ratings. Change a student's rating if it appears unrepresentative of their
actual behavior.
Review all slips collected. If you agree with the student's rating and that
student rates himself or herself at 3 or higher on the self-monitoring slip,
assign the student points toward whatever incentive or reward program you
have set up. If a student gets a rating below 3, make a point to meet with
that student to discuss his or her behaviors.
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Troubleshooting: How to Deal With Common Problems in Using 'Respectful
Classroom'
Q: I like the framework for using this intervention but I want to customize
the list of classroom behavior goals. Can I substitute some of my own
classroom behavioral expectations for those on your Respectful Classroom
list?
Feel free to customize, add to, delete from, or otherwise change any of the
behavioral goals used in this intervention to match the needs of your
classroom.
Q: I am using the Respectful Classroom intervention but am finding that it
is becoming less effective. What can I do?
If you find that this intervention's effectiveness is fading, here are some
suggestions for strengthening it:
Be sure that you are selecting and reviewing a Respectful Classroom behavior
daily with students at the start of class and that you are singling out 2-3
students each day in the classroom who are showing the positive target
behavior you have picked to emphasize.
If you are having students monitor their classroom behavior weekly, check to
be sure that you are selecting random days for monitoring (so that students
cannot predict beforehand what days will include self-monitoring). Also,
promptly award to the class any incentives, privileges, or prizes that they
have earned through their positive behavior.
If you are running the program as designed and yet your students still
appear to have lost interest, hold a class meeting. Tell students that you
want to recognize and reward their good study behaviors. Ask your students
for suggestions for how to make the program more relevant and interesting to
them while helping you to achieve your goal of maintaining a respectful
classroom environment where problem behaviors do not interfere with student
learning.
