1. Behavior Management

Definition: The strategies, interventions, and systems teachers use to prevent and respond to student misbehavior.

Classroom Example: A teacher uses proximity, praise, and redirection to manage off-task behavior during group work.

2. Classroom Climate

Definition: The overall emotional and psychological tone of the classroom, shaped by relationships, routines, and student voice.

Classroom Example: A classroom where students feel safe, valued, and respected contributes to a positive climate.

Citation: Freiberg, H. J. (1999). *School climate: Measuring, improving and sustaining healthy learning environments.* Routledge.

3. Classroom Procedures

Definition: Specific routines or protocols used to guide everyday tasks and transitions in the classroom.

Classroom Example: Students enter quietly, hang backpacks, and begin a bell-ringer activity every morning.

Citation: Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (2009). *The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher.* Harry K. Wong Publications.

4. Engagement Strategies

Definition: Techniques used to capture and maintain student attention and participation in learning activities.

Classroom Example: Using think-pair-share during a mini-lesson helps students stay mentally active and socially involved.

Citation: Marzano, R. J. (2007). *The art and science of teaching.* ASCD.

5. Expectations

Definition: The clearly communicated standards for behavior and academic performance in the classroom.

Classroom Example: A teacher posts and reviews class expectations at the start of each week.

6. Positive Reinforcement

Definition: The use of rewards or affirmations to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior occurring again.

Classroom Example: A student receives praise and a sticker for completing their reading quietly.

Citation: Skinner, B. F. (1953). *Science and human behavior.* Macmillan.

7. Restorative Practices

Definition: A relationship-centered approach to discipline focused on repairing harm, rebuilding trust, and preventing future conflict.

Classroom Example: After a conflict, students participate in a restorative circle to discuss the issue and agree on steps forward.

Citation: Evans, K. R., & Vaandering, D. (2016). *The little book of restorative justice in education.* Good Books.

8. Rules vs. Norms

Definition: Rules are explicit expectations established by the teacher or institution; norms emerge from shared behaviors and values among students.

Classroom Example: A classroom rule might be “raise your hand before speaking,” while a norm might be taking turns respectfully in group work.

9. Seating Arrangement

Definition: The strategic organization of physical student seating in the classroom to support learning and behavior.

Classroom Example: Students are grouped in pods for cooperative learning during a science lab.

10. Transitions

Definition: The movement from one activity, subject, or part of the day to another, often requiring clear signals and expectations.

Classroom Example: A teacher rings a chime and counts down to signal students to clean up and return to their seats.

Citation: Evertson, C. M., & Emmer, E. T. (2016). *Classroom management for elementary teachers.* Pearson.

11. Proximity Control

Definition: A non-verbal behavior management technique where a teacher moves closer to a student who is off-task or disruptive, often without needing to speak.

Classroom Example: A teacher walks near a student who is whispering during a lecture, and the student immediately refocuses on the lesson.

Citation: Kounin, J. S. (1970). *Discipline and group management in classrooms*. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

12. Withitness

Definition: A teacher’s awareness of what is happening in all parts of the classroom at all times, conveying to students that the teacher knows what they are doing and can intervene quickly.

Classroom Example: A teacher stops a budding argument between two students at the back of the room while simultaneously helping another student at the front, demonstrating they are aware of everything.

Citation: Kounin, J. S. (1970). *Discipline and group management in classrooms*. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

13. Choice Theory

Definition: A psychological theory, developed by William Glasser, which posits that all human behavior is driven by an attempt to satisfy five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. Applied in classrooms, it focuses on helping students make responsible choices to meet their needs.

Classroom Example: Instead of punishing a student for being disruptive, a teacher might ask, “What need were you trying to meet just now, and how can we find a more productive way to meet it?”

Citation: Glasser, W. (1998). *Choice theory: A new psychology of personal freedom*. HarperPerennial.

14. Assertive Discipline

Definition: A structured, systematic approach to classroom management developed by Lee Canter, emphasizing clear rules, consistent enforcement, and positive reinforcement for compliance, while providing a hierarchy of consequences for misbehavior.

Classroom Example: A teacher clearly states, “The rule is no talking during independent work. If you talk again, you will lose 5 minutes of recess.”

Citation: Canter, L., & Canter, M. (1976). *Assertive discipline: A take-charge approach for today’s educator*. Canter & Associates.

15. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Definition: A multi-tiered framework for promoting positive school-wide behavior, preventing problem behaviors, and providing targeted support for students who need it, focusing on teaching expected behaviors explicitly.

Classroom Example: A school implements a PBIS system where students earn “Eagle Bucks” for demonstrating respectful, responsible, and safe behavior in common areas, which they can then redeem for rewards.

Citation: Sugai, G., & Horner, R. H. (2000). Applied behavior analysis in school-wide positive behavior support: Concepts, principles, and procedures. *Education and Treatment of Children*, *23*(2), 119-135.