Physically arrange the classroom environment to prevent or minimize discipline problems

Teachers need to develop a room plan that meets their individual instructional, behavioral, and organizational needs. This room plan can help prevent or minimize discipline problems when it:

1.     Minimizes the potential for congestion, distractions and disruptions by facilitating the smooth and quiet movement of students.

a.     High traffic areas - Furniture must be arranged to facilitate easy-flowing traffic pat­terns and avoiding congestion in high-traffic areas such as the pencil sharpener, trashcan, water fountain, lavatory or work area. 

b.     Storage areas - Students and teachers must also have easy access to storage areas. 

 

2. Provides a seating arrangement that:

a.     Minimizes visual and auditory distractions

b.     Permits teacher's visual contact with all students 

c.     Enables the teacher to continuously move around the room to attend to all students.

d.     Facilitates the grouping of desks and learning centers based upon students’ instructional and behavioral needs. 

 

References

Brophy, J.E. “Classroom Organization and Management.” The Elementary School Journal 83, no. 4 (Mar 1983): 264-285 (esp. p. 269).

 

Emmer, E.T., Evertson, C.M., and Anderson, L.M. “Effective Classroom Management at the Beginning of the School Year.” The Elementary School Journal 80, no. 5 (May 1980): 219-231 (esp. 229).

 

Susi, F. D. “The Physical Environment of Art Classrooms: A Basis for Effective Discipline.” Art Education 42, no. 4 (Jul 1989): 37-43.