Addressing Misbehavior: The Six Levels of Intervention

1. Nonverbal Intervention

Nonverbal cues are subtle but effective. Use gestures or eye contact to correct off-task students while continuing to engage the rest of the class. This approach minimizes disruption and reinforces expectations without drawing unnecessary attention to the misbehavior.

Example: While demonstrating a technique, glance towards a student who is not focused. Your eye contact can signal the student to refocus without interrupting your lesson.

2. Positive Group Correction

Offer a quick verbal reminder to the group about expected behaviors. This technique is effective when students' attention is drifting and can help refocus the entire class without singling out individuals.

Example: “Everyone, remember we are practicing our forms. Let’s stay focused and keep working hard.”

3. Anonymous Individual Correction

If a general reminder is not sufficient, provide an anonymous correction that targets individuals without calling them out explicitly. This method addresses issues without directly naming students, reducing the risk of embarrassment.

Example: “We need to ensure everyone is focused. Please check that you have your eyes on your partner and are performing the technique correctly.”

4. Private Individual Correction

For more specific issues, address the student privately and calmly. Approach the student quietly and provide clear, direct feedback. If needed, explain the consequences of continued non-compliance to motivate improvement.

Example: “John, I’ve asked everyone to focus on their forms. Please do the same. If you’re not able to focus, you might have to do extra drills to catch up. Let’s work together to avoid that.”

5. Quick Public Correction

When a student needs immediate correction in a public setting, keep it brief and focus on guiding them towards the correct behavior rather than dwelling on their mistake. This helps minimize negative attention and reinforces class expectations.

Example: “John, I need your eyes on me. Thank you for focusing. Let’s continue with the next drill.”

6. Consequences

When misbehavior persists despite other interventions, implement appropriate consequences to maintain class order. Ensure that consequences are proportionate to the disruption and communicated clearly. Use them sparingly to avoid disrupting the learning environment.

Example: If a student’s behavior continues to disrupt the class, you might have them sit out of a drill temporarily or give them additional tasks to complete. Be sure to explain the reason for the consequence to the student and their parents if needed.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Address Misbehavior Early: Like a small fire, address issues as soon as they arise to prevent escalation.
  • Use a Scaled Approach: Start with less invasive interventions and escalate as necessary.
  • Maintain Professionalism: Ensure that all corrections and consequences are administered calmly and respectfully.
  • Communicate Clearly: Whether providing feedback or implementing consequences, clarity helps students understand expectations and avoid future issues.
  • Balance Authority with Compassion: Your goal is to help students improve, not to exert power. Keep corrections constructive and focused on growth.

Conclusion

Effectively managing classroom behavior involves understanding and applying the Six Levels of Intervention. By using these techniques, you can address misbehavior promptly and maintain a focused, productive environment. Ensure that your approach is fair, consistent, and aligned with your overall teaching goals.