The dark side of classroom behavior management charts

With the arrival of the new academic year, a shining new behavior management system will decorate the walls of elementary school classrooms. From sticker charts to clip art, color cards, teachers choose a bright and attractive system that they want to improve their students' behavior with a little motivation. The problem is that these systems

These action management systems also have drawbacks. For those who do not have a sticker, the clip may be embarrassed rather than upward, never climbing a yellow card. Please imagine that a bad day is playing with vivid colors on the wall. That way, all of your friends will be staring at them all day. These systems may make students worthless, overwhelmed, and helpless. They may have a negative influence on students' self-confidence, leading to poor academic performance and further behavioral problems. These behavior management systems have good intentions, but they are totally devastating blows.

With the arrival of the new academic year, a shining new behavior management system will decorate the walls of elementary school classrooms. From sticker charts to clip art, color cards, teachers choose a bright and attractive system that they want to improve their students' behavior with a little motivation. The problem is that these systems rarely run for a long time. Studies have shown that children continue to work towards their personal goals when the essential motivation is high. Stickers, clips, and color cards have in common that they rely on exogenous motivation. You do this (sit down, listen, do not shout), you get this (sticker, clip, green card). These systems are motivated in a short time. But as time goes on, rewards are not enough.

Last year my classroom management system made a big change. Thanks to the school - wide initiative, my behavioral "clip chart" system has ended, and this time school rules have been replaced by languages ​​that promote growth thinking. I am determined to utilize my students and public hearings to focus on this.

I can hear many educators saying "What other teachers should do to keep order in the classroom?" It's not. If only educators (and their parents) explore and use over time, there are many alternatives to action charts - more effective and less harmful. My father, Martin, who told me before, tried to let her daughter's school cancel the action list - by the way, I am the same. We both met with omission. But to Martin, the bet is higher. In the face of a child seemingly committed suicide, he and his wife decided to go to school. Three years later, his daughter is very energetic.