There are some topics that are so broad, so overwhelming that it’s hard to know where to begin. For theatre teachers, classroom management can be one of those topics. It is a critical skill; some say it’s more important than content knowledge. BUT there is no single method or protocol to follow to ensure success. All of our classes should be and usually involve student moving around…even working in the hallway, so how do we manage to keep control of what is happening?
It can look different depending on which the age group you teach, how many students you have, and most importantly, your core personality. What works for you, a highly organized, routine-loving teacher may not work for a more laid back, roll-with-the-punches kind of teacher, like me.
The bottom line is this: Effective classroom management in a theatre classroom is an absolute must. It impacts your ability to be an effective educator and enjoy your job, and it impacts your students’ success as learners. If your classroom is out of control, it won’t matter how passionate you are about theatre or how much you are truly dedicated to students, learning will be negatively impacted.
One of the most important things to teach in Theater is Audience Etiquette. It is a National Standard and a state standard.
Critical Response and Evaluation
**understand and demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette at various types of live performances;
- Consider Audience Etiquette as a grade:
- 30% for us
- Use a rubric
- Put it in handbook, syllabus, and hang in the classroom
My high school friend, Brad Leake, who teaches math, shared this with me.
Put the words last to leave at the top of the board.
If there is a student who is talking too much or is disruptive, simply write his/her name at the top. That student has to be the last one to leave your classroom when the bell rings.
If another student begins…add his/her name
Essential to keep focus.
Our administration purchased caddy’s for phones.
They are numbered and each student is assigned a number.
Start on First Day.
Students put phones in caddy.
Support literacy by having student write each day…even if it is simple and short.
This will create a routine.
10 each grading period 10 points each.
20 at 5 points each.
Completion grade.
While they are writing, take role.
After the allotted amount of time ask students to share with you what they wrote.
I do it on Canvas. You could use a google form.
You don’t have to grade them.
I offer my students a reward for great behavior:
Each day that the class as a whole:
The rules:
- No one late
- No one tardy
- Everyone staying on task
- No interruptions or outbursts
The class earns a letter to spell the the school’s mascot. When the mascot name is spelled out, the students get the reward. Our reward is that they can have a snack in class and watch Who’s Line Is It Anyway.
You need equal amounts of working and breaks
- Begin class in seats
- Activity
- Give breaks for students to check their phone. Use a 20/5 rule.
- 20 minutes working/learning and 5 minute break. End the class in seats
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of solving an open-ended problem found in trigger material.
The PBL process does not focus on problem solving with a defined solution, but it allows for the development of other desirable skills and attributes. This includes knowledge acquisition, enhanced group collaboration and communication.
The PBL process was developed for medical education and has since been broadened in applications for other programs of learning. The process allows for learners to develop skills used for their future practice. It enhances critical appraisal, literature retrieval and encourages ongoing learning within a team environment.
This is THEATRE!