“The conventional definition of management is getting work done through people, but real management is developing people through work.” -Agha Hasan Abedi

“Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes.” -Peter F. Drucker

“As we get ready to implement these groups do you think it’s necessary to take a few days and talk about the norms or rules of behavior that are expected?” With the second semester just a few short weeks away, many middle school and high school teachers have asked me this question. The answer is yes. This blog post will share some websites, articles, and ideas which support the use of small groups and meaningful instruction.

Lesson Plans Inc. asserts the following, “Keeping students on task is the most important rule of all. If your high school or middle school students are doing what they should be doing, then you don’t have any management problems.” [http://www.lessonplansinc.com/classroom_management_student_engagement.php]

Richard Strong, Harvey Silver, and Amy Robinson conducted a decade of research on what kept students on task and what engaged them. They found that students who are engaged in their work are energized by success, curiosity, originality, and satisfying relationships. When teachers used this information to guide their instructional decisions, then student engagement increased and classroom management issues were almost non-existent.
[http://www.middleweb.com/StdntMotv.html]

But, what are some specific ways a teacher prepares students for using small groups? Harry Wong suggests teaching the following procedures:
·    Bell work assignment
·    Opening morning procedures
·    Students entering procedures
·    Students leaving procedures
·    Walking in the hall procedures
·    Procedure if student finishes early
·    Getting the class’s attention
·    Quieting the class procedure
·    Listening to/responding to questions
·    Getting the teacher’s attention
·    Roll taking procedure
·    Collecting papers
·    Distributing papers
·    Disaster drill procedures
·    End of class/day dismissal procedures

If you’re going to be implementing small groups using the Tabor Rotation Framework, then visualize every minute of the structure. Think about how each of your classes will respond and how you would like for them to respond. Model and practice all behaviors with your students—regardless of their age! The only way a procedure is internalized correctly is if it is modeled, shaped, and practiced in the correct form.

After thinking about the procedures, you might want to observe your environment. Alfie Kohn describes what to look for in an effective classroom and what might be of cause to worry. Some of the good signs are:

·    Chairs around tables to facilitate interaction
·    Evidence of student collaboration
·    Frequent hum of activity and ideas being exchanged
·    Different activities often take place simultaneously

Take a look at the entire chart, from Alfie Kohn, to determine if your classroom is cultivating a community of learners who are actively engaged. [http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/wtlfiacchart.htm#top]

Here are a few more articles full of simple tips for managing a secondary classroom.

http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/3318.aspx
http://www.suite101.com/content/develop-classroom-management-plan-a47040
http://www.lessonplansinc.com/classroom_management_strategies.php

And, after modeling, practicing and preparing, don’t forget to laugh with your students. I have treasured those moments most of all!

“True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.” -Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

“But there are advantages to being elected President. The day after I was elected, I had my high school grades classified Top Secret.” -Ronald Reagan