This course will focus on the role of classroom organization and behavior management in developing positive teaching and learning environments.  The impact of the physical environment, transitions, procedures, norms and expectations on managing behavior will be discussed.  Developing communication and social skills and fostering a collaborative relationship between the teacher and students will be examined.  Alternative approaches to managing routine and disruptive discipline problems while also creating learning spaces where students are willing to take risks and learn from mistakes will be considered.  

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this program,

1. Assess the importance of creating positive classroom environments.
2. Examine different options in regards to behavior management.
3. Correlate classroom organization to student behavior.
4. Analyze methods and best practices for improving student/teacher rapport and communication.
5. Brainstorm and propose practices that can be applied in real-life classroom settings.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Elements of Classroom Management & The Positive Classroom

Week 2: Unit 2 – Models of Discipline

Week 3: Unit 3 – Creating & Implementing Rules & Procedures

Week 4: Unit 4 – Using Your Physical Space

Week 5: Unit 5 – Discipline Challenges

Week 6: Unit 6 – Creating and Upholding Student Expectations

Week 7: Unit 7 – Communication, Collaboration, & Rapport

Week 8: Unit 8 – Diversity Issues in the Classroom

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.  The Learning Guides for all units open on the first day of class.  Please review all Learning Guides to access the readings, review assignments, etc.

Unit 1: Elements of Classroom Management & The Positive Classroom

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Portfolio Assignment

Unit 2: Models of Discipline

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 3: Creating & Implementing Rules & Procedures

• Peer-assess Unit 2 Written Assignment 
• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Portfolio Assignment

Unit 4: Using Your Physical Space

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Submit a video presentation on the topic provided. (Display your ID card during the presentation)

Unit 5: Discipline Challenges

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 6: Creating and Upholding Student Expectations

• Peer-assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Portfolio Activity

Unit 7: Communication, Collaboration, & Rapport

• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 8: Diversity Issues in the Classroom

• Peer-assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read through the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
• Respond to three of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
• Complete and submit Portfolio Activity