Responsive Management: Practical Strategies for Avoiding Overreaction to Minor Misbehavior

Minor misbehavior causes frustration for many teachers and can serve as the catalyst for escalating into a public confrontation between student and teacher. This confrontation can be caused by teacher overreaction to minor misbehavior. When teachers take the initiative and predetermine their response to misbehavior, they reduce and possibly eliminate some minor misbehavior. This article suggests six simple strategies that teachers can implement to respond more positively to minor misbehavior, which helps reduce misbehavior and avoid a confrontation with students.