Post #4

As far as classroom arrangement goes, I won't have many options to choose from for a band class for a conducive learning environment. Basically, all of the chairs go in arcs and rows, and like instruments sit together in sections. I do plan on putting up lots of theory and instrument posters, having a pass off chart on the wall, having a tuner available to the students who might not be able to get one of their own, and having an open door policy (if I have an office). I definitely want my students to feel like they can approach me with questions or concerns, without fear of consequences or judgement.

Looking at classroom management, everyone will receive the same band handbook at the beginning of the school year to read over with their parents. There will be a page in the back to sign and return to me. That way, I can know that everyone has read over my policies and rules for the classroom, which I will also go over in class just to make sure everyone is familiar with them. If there are any questions about the rules or if anyone says that they weren't aware of a rule, I can point out that they read over the handbook and signed a paper that said they WERE aware of the rules and would follow them. I am going to enforce my rules fairly and consistently, and avoid showing any kind of favoritism. I will also learn all of my students names.

I chose the case study with Cherie. Assuming that she has signed and returned the page from the band handbook, I know she is aware of the rules and that there are consequences for her actions. Keeping in mind that there might be different reasons as to why she is acting up, I am going to give her first offense a verbal warning, and attempt to help her with her misbehavior. In my paper, I discuss that I plan to help her avoid disruptions by placing her next to a well behaved student and having her work privately with an instructor (this removes her from class and possible distractions that would cause her to act up). Other ways to deal with her misbehavior would be to contact her parents if she keeps causing problems. Working with her would always be my first step, but sometimes it might be necessary to notify parents and see if there are any other reasons she is acting up in class. Another more drastic option would be to involve the administration (this would be my last option).