The Sixth Characteristic of Highly Effective Educators - Striving for Consistency
{Some teachers just seem to have it all together – their classroom is always organized, their students are always so well-behaved, and their positive attitude seems positively unshakeable. At times you might wonder,
Why does it seem that some educators are more successful at developing a well-managed classroom? Do these teachers have a certain set of characteristics that automatically set them apart when walking into a classroom?
When it comes to creating an engaging learning environment and a well-managed classroom, there are six characteristics that highly effective educators share... }
Effective educators understand the importance of consistency. You've heard it said that it takes 30 days to modify your behavior and form new 'habits'. Whether the research is true or not, one thing is certain, the more you practice a certain behavior, the more likely it is that you'll achieve the desired results.
This concept holds true in successful learning environments as well. Expectations. Discipline. Classroom procedures. Lessons. You name it. If you have a tendency to be “all over the place” in any or all of these areas, sooner or later, frustrated students will give up trying to adapt to the chaos and revert to self-imposed guidelines.
Truly successful teachers: 1) have clear-cut expectations and working plans in place before the school year ever starts, 2) go over these plans and expectations with their students at the beginning of the year, and 3) stick to them throughout the year!
Should there need to be a revision to the plan (as you adapt to the classroom dynamic and environment), highlight the change in class so that, once again, you're all on the same page. Within the first several weeks, your classroom should run like a well-oiled machine, leaving more time for the important stuff! [NOTE: It is very possible to have a consistent routine when presenting information without lessons becoming stuffy or dry. Think overarching presentation and flow. Objectives, not repetition.]
Inconsistency breeds frustration and chaos. First and foremost, students want (and need!) to know what is expected of them, as well as how the classroom is to function. A working plan and clear-cut expectations takes the guesswork out of success and promotes unhindered learning!