How to improve classroom behavior management for better learning

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When learners are on Chromebooks or Windows devices, there are things an educator can’t see across the classroom like off-task Google Doc chats or open tabs unrelated to the lesson. Managing classroom behavior has always been a challenge, but now the classroom extends across dozens of screens, making it even more difficult. 

Educators need new strategies and digital tools to help them keep students focused, engaged and learning. In this educational blog post, we’ll dive into how to improve classroom behavior management so educators at any experience level can keep learning on track.

Why digital classroom management matters more than ever

Classrooms don’t look the way they did twenty years ago or even a few years ago. Most learners have devices now in the classroom, giving them instant access to information but also to digital distractions. Instead of sticking to the class activity, their focus might be pulled toward online games, sports scores, influencer videos, shopping sites or even creative websites like Canva.

Learners are also savvy when it comes to off-task behavior. They might chat with each other through shared Google Docs or Microsoft documents, titling their document “Homework” or “Assignment” so that it looks like they’re on task. They might even share a list of proxy sites with other learners, creating headaches for teachers and for technology administrators. 

Behavior management in the classroom today is about creating a safe and productive digital learning environment. Teachers need to keep distractions in check and help learners develop responsible technology habits and self-regulation.

Six principles of classroom behavior management for educators

There are six principles of classroom behavior management that provide a great foundation for teachers, whether instruction is happening online or offline. 

1. Plan early 

Proactive behavior management is always better than being reactive in the moment. Encourage teachers to establish routines from the first day of class. This includes rules for device use, digital assignments and assessments.

2. Be consistent

Consistency is an important classroom behavior management strategy. When rules are used fairly and consistently, learners understand the boundaries and feel safer. This applies to everything from how to treat their device, to addressing off-task behavior online to how learners should communicate in the digital environment.

3. Understand student diversity

Every student brings a unique background, culture and learning style to the classroom. Effective behavior classroom management acknowledges and respects this diversity. Strategies should be flexible and culturally responsive to meet the needs of all learners.

4. Focus on the positive

Positive behavior management creates a trusting environment where students want to learn. Instead of only pointing out negative behavior, recognize positive actions learners take online. Acknowledging learners who are on task, collaborating well or demonstrating responsible digital citizenship encourages others to do the same.

5. Use high-quality instruction

An engaged learner will stay on task and behave positively. When digital lessons are interesting,  relevant, personalized or collaborative, learners are less likely to become distracted. Interactive activities, group projects and opportunities for choice can reduce behavior issues.

6. Maintain professionalism

Educators are role models for learners across the school, even in the digital environment. Maintaining a calm, respectful and professional demeanor, even when faced with challenging behavior, sets the tone for the entire class. It builds trust and shows learners how to handle conflict.

Five Ps of classroom behavior to share with learners 

As you support teachers in implementing these principles, you can also provide them with a framework to share with learners. The 5 Ps are an easy-to-remember guide that helps learners understand their role in creating a positive classroom culture.

1. Prompt

Students should be on time and ready to learn when class begins. In a digital setting, this means having their device charged, logging into apps or platforms on time and having on-task tabs open for the lesson.

2. Polite

Learners need to be respectful toward their teacher and their classmates. This includes using appropriate language in messages and online discussions, listening when others are speaking and giving constructive feedback.

3. Productive

Learners should focus on their class activity and use self-regulation skills to stay productive. This means staying off distracting websites, using digital tools appropriately and actively participating in the lesson.

4. Patient

Technology doesn’t always work perfectly. Patience with technology, with classmates and with their teacher is part of positive classroom behavior.

5. Prepared

Students need to come to class with everything they need to succeed. In a 1:1 environment, this includes their device, chargers and any required digital files or logins.

10 tips for managing classroom behavior in the digital environment

Once teachers have frameworks, they need to put them into practice. Here are 10 classroom behavior management strategies to help teachers keep digital learning on track.

1. Set clear digital expectations

Co-create a digital citizenship agreement with learners that outlines rules for device use, online communication and consequences for misuse.

2. Build positive relationships 

Strong teacher-student relationships are an important part of positive behavior management. Taking time to connect with learners through digital surveys, formative feedback or messages helps build empathy and trust. 

3. Monitor screens in real time

Adopt classroom management tools that provide direct visibility into student screens and Google Drives. This allows teachers to quickly spot and redirect off-task behavior.

4. Praise positive online behavior

When a teacher sees a learner make a good decision online, they should acknowledge it or even share it with the learner’s family to reinforce the behavior.

5. Make digital lessons interactive

Incorporate digital polls, collaborative documents and digital simulations to keep students actively engaged.

6. Give learners choices online

Allow students to choose how they demonstrate their learning, whether through a video, a slideshow or even a podcast.

7. Address off-task behavior privately

Instead of calling a learner out in front of the class, teachers can use a private chat or message to gently redirect them. 

8. Communicate with families about digital expectations

Keep parents and guardians in the loop about classroom rules for technology. Clear and consistent communication with families about digital expectations helps promote digital citizenship at school and at home.

9. Model good digital citizenship

When learners see their teachers demonstrate responsible digital citizenship, it shows them how to communicate respectfully online, cite sources properly and manage digital distractions.

10. Debrief after digital lessons

Another classroom behavior management strategy is taking a moment to reflect with the class after a digital lesson. The class can discuss what went well, what was distracting and how they can improve next time. This builds a sense of shared responsibility.

Digital tools for effective classroom management

Providing teachers with the right tools is one of the most impactful ways district and school leaders can improve classroom behavior management. Hāpara Classroom Management makes it easy for teachers to manage classroom behavior. This solution gives teachers the visibility and control they need to create safe and engaged learning environments.

Hāpara Highlights

This browser monitoring tool for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge allows teachers to see student screens in real time, view open tabs and identify off-task behavior instantly. Teachers can close distracting tabs, set up focused browsing sessions and directly message learners.

Hāpara Teacher Dashboard

This dashboard simplifies the management of Google Workspace. Teachers can quickly access student Google Drive work, share files and create assignments, saving instructional time and keeping digital resources organized. 

Hāpara Hall Pass

Traditional hall passes are inefficient and easy to lose. Hāpara’s digital hall pass streamlines the process, allowing teachers to issue and track passes from their devices. Learners even have the option of creating a digital hall pass to save time, sending it instantly to their teacher for approval. Not only does Hāpara Hall Pass protect instructional minutes but it gives all teachers and staff members clear visibility on where learners are.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can administrators help teachers manage digital classrooms?
Give teachers tools to help them easily manage online behavior. With Hāpara, teachers can see student screens in real time, cut down on distractions and keep lessons on track.

What works best for managing difficult students on devices?
Being clear and consistent about expectations and providing positive feedback works best. Hāpara lets teachers guide what students see, close off-task tabs and send private messages to refocus learners, without interrupting the whole class.

How do we deal with students chatting off-task in Google Docs?
Use a classroom management solution that gives teachers direct visibility into learners’ Google Docs. Hāpara gives visibility into student work across Google Workspace, so teachers can spot off-task chatting and steer students back to learning quickly.

What is a digital hall pass and why should our school use it?
A digital hall pass like Hāpara Hall Pass allows teachers to efficiently student movement across the school, protect instructional time and keep learners accountable