Daily Classroom Practices

James Stronge argues that some central factors must always be present in the classroom. Being timely, focusing on time as an issue as well as being enthusiastic about the subject matter makes mountains of difference. As well classroom organization negates problems before they arise, or better put, problems arise out of the lack of organization. Norms, rules and expectations must be built into the classroom life. The "must haves" of a classroom would be;

Having the whole time period well organized. One activity might exhaust itself quickly. Students who might have missed class before might need alternative assignments.

Expectation of classwork getting done then and there and being able to challenge excuses.

Expectation of punctuality, not just the beginning of class, but in shifting from one activity to another.

Expectation of expectations, so power struggles are minimized and norms play a hegemonic role in the classroom.

Expectation of daily writing, daily silence, daily reflections and daily reading.



Clarity of expectations, so student do not get so easily lost.