The Physics of Classroom Behavior

Substitute teachers always get the dirty work. They have to deal with those students that dislike their ways, want to do what they want, and just plain goof off. I saw this in vibrant colors yesterday. Our science teacher was gone and is for the whole week. So we have a sub that I would have to say is pretty impressive. She's well-experienced in the curriculum and knows what she's doing. But the trouble students make the whole experience miserable.

I don't know what they're thinking when they talk back or walk out of class without saying a word, but it's gruesome to see them corrected by the sub. But there's something unfortunate these teachers face: if they fairly punish a student, that student is going to hate that teacher and think she's the worst in the world. There are other regular teachers that many friends I know dislike. But I like them because if I listen and behave, it can be a very worthwhile experience.

Some teachers have their own format of getting things done. And when that conflicts with the ways of students, hatred stirs. I know no fellow classmates that get thorough that "Wait a minute!!!" moment. They never think "Maybe I should sit down, shut my yap, and listen to what she has to say. I just might learn something." They're caught up in socializing and exercising the jaw muscles (chewing gum). It's not that I hate these people. I just think that they're wasting my time and the teacher's time, and that should be corrected.

We have a room in our school called the BLC. It stands for the Behavior Learning Center. Some call it "Bad Little Children." But there's nothing really bad about it at all. Many that I know who are sent to the BLC on the regular basis like it there, and are friends with the teacher who supervises the "Bad Little Children." They want to go there to get away from this teacher that seems to be so unfair. But I saw something different yesterday. One of the student in the science class was really making it clear to everyone that she hated this teacher. She actually said to the sub "Can I please go to the BLC?" I was thinking the sub would say "No, you can go to the principals office." But she said "No, you're just going to sit here in the front and not go anywhere." Wow was I off. And it made sense too. The BLC was evolving into a ticket out of education.

But still, is there a way for these students to "see the light?" Of course there is. But the brilliant minds of the school district haven't thought of it yet. I'm thinking right now what would be a good way to do this. Boot them out of school after three times misbehaving? Yes, we also have punishments like lunchroom cleanup and suspension. No real detention at this school. I guess we'll just have to wait for someone to figure things out. Or else.