The document summarizes 5 common myths about classroom management. Myth 1 is that good instruction eliminates discipline problems, but clear expectations and rules are also needed. Myth 2 is waiting until Christmas to smile, but having fun in a structured environment is better. Myth 3 is that stiffer punishments solve problems, but making good behavior rewarding works better. Myth 4 is that a teacher's style solely comes from their own teachers, but developing their own beliefs is important. Myth 5 is that management is 90% proactive, but teachers must also observe and adapt to each class.

1. 5 Prolific Myths on Classroom Management
by Glen Clark

2. Students are the best part of a teaching
career. But sometimes they can also be the
most challenging part.
Here are five myths that can negatively
impact prospective teachers.

3. Myth 1:
Good
instruction
eliminates
discipline
problems

4. Myth 1: Good instruction eliminates discipline problems
Why it’s
a myth?
What
to do
instead?
Strong, well-taught lesson plans are great, but they
won’t eliminate all misbehavior.
Have a disciplinary plan in place and communicate it
clearly to your students.

5. Myth 2:
Never
smile
until
Christmas

6. Myth 2: Never smile until Christmas
Why it’s
a myth?
What
to do
instead?
Removing all fun from a classroom does not
magically remove the problems.
Set clear expectations from the beginning. It’s okay
to have fun in a structured environment.

7. Myth 3:
The best way to
solve discipline
problems is to
make the
punishments
stiffer

8. Myth 3: The best way to solve discipline problems is to make the
punishments stiffer
Why it’s
a myth?
What
to do
instead?
Lower grades don’t automatically convince all
students to come to class and behave.
Make following the rules worth it. Offer valuable
information or fun experiences in exchange for good
behavior.

9. Myth 4:
Your current
classroom
management is
mostly a
reflection of your
former teachers

10. Myth 4: Your current classroom management is mostly a reflection of your
former teachers
Why it’s
a myth?
What
to do
instead?
This is only true if you saw value in your past
teachers’ practices or if you hated them.
Develop your own style of discipline that’s aligned
with your own beliefs. Your policies need to work for
you.

11. Myth 5:
90% of
classroom
management
occurs before
a student ever
acts out

12. Myth 5: 90% of classroom management occurs before a student ever acts out
Why it’s
a myth?
What
to do
instead?
Teachers cannot predict the future. They just can’t.
And every class is different.
Be proactive, but a good teacher needs to observe,
adjust, and make new decisions on the fly.

13. To read the full article by Glen Clark or get
the companion infographic, visit
blog.goreact.com

14. GoReact is game film for the classroom.
It’s used by teacher education programs to facilitate
coaching, self-reflection and skill development for the
next generation of teachers.
Learn more at goreact.com