Classroom Management 7: Questions?

Good leaders know when to direct, manage, control, govern, and command. And they also know when to listen. Teachers are quintessential leaders. They can inspire, motivate, support, and encourage. And they are confident that they know what’s best for their students. It is important to remember that sometimes listening is an effective classroom management technique that enables you to peacefully enforce discipline.

Why Substitute Questions for Commands?
1. It makes the students feel like you are interested in their learning rather than ruling them.
2. It reduces the feeling students sometimes have that they are always getting yelled at.
3. Students don’t feel accused when they may have a legitimate excuse.
4. Using questions creates a bi-way element of respect: teacher-student and student-teacher.
5. It maintains a calm, peaceful and safe classroom setting.
6. You won’t be as exhausted, frustrated and angry at the end of the day.

Tips for Using Questions in the Classroom:

Instead of 
“Joe, will you please stop talking and get to work?”
Try
“Joe, do you have a question?”

Instead of
“All of you need to get seated and start working.”
Try
“Who can show me what we should be doing right now?"

Instead of
“Sally, get to work”
Try
“Sally, what are you working on?”

Instead of 
 "I need everyone to get in line and get quiet.”
Try
“Who can tell me how I like my students to line up?”

Instead of
“Joe, get back in your seat.”
Try
“Joe, can I help you with something?”

Instead of
“If you don’t turn in your homework you will get a zero.”
Try
“How can I help you remember to turn in your homework? Can I remind you to write it down? Would you like me to email your parents to help you remember?”