Literature Review

Domain E Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning -

Damon Garner
National University

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for

TED 690 Capstone Course
Dr. Pengilly

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Literature Review

Abstract

In this literature review I will be examining Edmund T Emmers, Carolyn M. Evertson

& Murray E. Worshams Classroom Management for Secondary Teachers. Specifically I will be

looking at chapter 7 that covers the topic of Maintaining appropriate student behavior. Emmer et

all discuss the different ways to successfully monitor student behavior and build a positive

classroom environment.

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Literature Review

Having good classroom management is vital to the success of your class and

sanity! There are two major factors that determine whether or not you can maintain appropriate

student behavior in the classroom. The prompt management and consistent discipline of negative

behavior as well as building and maintaining a positive learning environment is crucial for the

success of the classroom. Edmund T. Emmer, Carolyn M. Evertson and Murray E. Worshams

Classroom Management For Secondary Teachers state that, (2003) Students compliance with

classroom rules and procedures will be easy to monitor if you have a clear set of expectations for

student behavior and have communicated these to the class. (p. 131) These expectations must be

clearly defined and acted upon should the expectations not be met. Emmer, et al state that,

(2003) Another characteristic of good managers is consistency in the use of rules and

procedures and in their dealings with students who do not follow them. (p. 130) If you are not

consistent with your rules and guidelines students will continuously push the boundaries and be a

huge disruption for the classroom environment.

The second focus of Emmer et al on classroom management is to build a positive

climate in your classroom. Not everything should be negative or doom and gloom with your

students. Emmer et al state, (2003) Although poor performance should not be ignored-students

need specific, corrective feedback to know what to improve-it is important that the climate for

learning be positive. (p. 135) We can do this through praise for students accomplishments in the

classroom. This doesnt always have to be academic. One of awards we have at my school is

called the Spirit of the Stallion award. This award is usually awarded to the best citizen in the

classroom or most improved. The focus should be to praise all of your students in your

classroom for academic, behavioral or social success. This will boost their confidence and make

your classroom more positive in general. Emmer et al, state that, (2003) The improvement in

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Literature Review

class climate occurs because the incentives add interest or excitement to the class routine, while

also directing attention toward appropriate behavior and away from inappropriate behavior. (p.

136) There are many ways in which you can sweeten the pot or create incentives for students.

You can always offer extra credit to students to help boost their grade. Even holding monthly

class wide recognition ceremonies will work for building classroom morale.

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Literature Review

References:

Emmer T. Edmund, Evertson Carolyn M. & Worsham E. Murray Classroom Management For

Secondary Teachers. Pearson Education. 2003.