The chapter, Behaviour Management: Principles and Guidelines for Art Educators is essentially a list of guidelines for setting up and maintaining behaviour expectations in the class rooms. I thought this information was helpful, but I definitely found it idyllic and leaving little room for strange variables that might pop up. I think in this case, learning about some specific case studies and examples would be a good addition to this information.
I worked as an art instructor at 4 Cats Arts Studio for 3 years and encountered a wide variety of behaviour issues (as I taught for ages 3 -16). I found the most useful philosophy was summed up in the one 4 Cats’ standard teaching rules, which is “no big deal.” When, a problems arose, I would quickly address it, and then move on as quickly as possible, keeping the lesson moving and the atmosphere fun and inclusive. For younger ages, the idea of simple distraction is key even with large disruptions. Of course there are levels of disruption and (especially when interruptions are repeated), which correspond with escalating forms of management on my part. But, no matter the problem, the attitude of “no big deal” or, if I was to rephrase, “OK, no problem, no let’s get back it” was a big part of my behaviour management style.
I think that this dialogue can get more complicated with secondary students, but I still think the key two points are:
-Addressing the disruption right away in a relaxed and confident manner.
-Moving on right away as to not give the interruption much weight.
-Establishing a precedent of noticing problems as they arise, so the students don’t get used to you ignoring behaviour issues.
-Give the impression that maintaining order is less about “control” than it is about valuing the time for learning and art making.
Of course, I am just rephrasing some of these standard methodology mentioned in this chapter, and these are just as idyllic, but you never know how to deviate until you get more unique issues arising. This is why learning about some case studies would be a good addition to the conversation.
