Strategies to Improve Classroom Behavior and Academic Outcomes

Taking measures to improve academic performance and outcome starts with improving the behavior of students in the classroom. Although it can seem challenging, teachers play a large role in creating an environment that encourages learning, improve student behavior and create better academic performance at every level of education. Teachers can accomplish amazing feats when the appropriate strategies are implemented to improve the behavior in the classroom.

Relationship between behavior and academic performance

The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support program, a teaching and training organization for professional educators, cites numerous studies on its website that suggest students with poor classroom behavior often struggle with academic skills.

Behavior academic outcomes refer to the changes that student actions can have on the ability to maintain good performance in the classroom. As behavior academic outcomes relate to negative situations and poor actions by students, the classroom environment becomes less positive and teachers can struggle to provide the best education to the entire class. Positive changes to the behavior of students can improve the academic outcomes at any grade level.

Offering rewards

When it comes to motivational strategies that can help students maintain better behavior, offering rewards is a useful tool. According to SuccessfulSchools.org, teachers can impact student motivation and make improvements to the situation.

By implementing a classroom management rewards system, teachers better control problem student behavior. Although a classroom management rewards system might not work for every situation, it is an effective tool to help motivate students to work on achievement and better actions during class.

Focus on achievement

Setting high standards of education and achievement in the classroom is a simple strategy that helps students stay engaged in classroom material. A 2010 report by The Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement (CCSRI) looks at strategies for improving student behavior. The report, titled Using Positive Student Engagement to Increase Student Achievement, suggests that creating a class culture of achievement engages students in the process of gaining knowledge and understanding.

Focusing on the achievement of students in the classroom will require a comprehensive strategy of setting high educational standards, challenging students to meet the requirements, encouraging students to ask questions, and making adjustments to meet the needs of every pupil to improve student achievement. Behavioral problems within the classroom can seem distracting at first, but classroom management rewards that are combined with high expectations can make students interested in the material.

Expecting students to succeed, asking questions and getting involved in the curriculum can naturally motivate each student. Behavioral challenges require support, encouragement and the belief that students can achieve high standards to overcome the challenges and distractions.

Provide hands-on assignments

According to the CCSRI, incorporating several learning styles into the coursework will make it easier for students to remain engaged. Each student has a different learning style and traditional instruction might not engage every student. Providing hands-on learning options and assignments will give students something different and encourage movement that can help reduce behavioral problems related to boredom, attention disorders or similar situations.

Differentiating the assignments is a simple way to gain student attention and keep it focused on the classroom. Behavior academic outcomes can change when students become motivated to participate and learn.

Offer support and belief in the students

Believing in the students and offering support throughout the school year can help improve their achievement levels. When students are misbehaving and acting as a distraction in the classroom, it can relate to the lack of support and belief in their abilities.

According to the CCSRI, studies have shown that students are more likely to succeed academically when they feel the teacher is supportive, cares about student success and honestly assesses their weaknesses and strengths. When the students are getting honest responses and help to improve their weak areas, it is easier to maintain motivation.

Improving the behavior of students in the classroom is part of a teacher’s job. By taking measures to support students, offering different teaching strategies and focusing on rigorous educational standards, teachers are keeping the class motivated and encouraging better academic performance.