Proximity to a Student
PROXIMITY TO A STUDENT
Why should I do it?
- The more distance between teacher and student will result in more behavior problems
- Can be used to communicate care and concern
- Can be a subtle re-direction technique
- Lets the student know you are aware of them
When should I do it?
- When a student gets off task
- When you know a student has the ability to lose focus often
- When a student is showing signs of disruption but hasn’t become problematic yet
How do I do it?
- Pay attention to your natural movements and determine areas you can change your style to increase proximity to many students at once
- When giving directions, maintain proximity to at risk students
- Refrain from giving instructions the same way every time
- Vary your teaching that will allow you to walk around the classroom
- Place a student close to you in seating arrangements
- Proximity control can work to manage some behavior if it is used preventively or early. The main idea behind this technique is to put a teacher in close proximity to students who are showing signs of getting off task. If you know from prior experience that a particular group of students is likely to disrupt class, standing or sitting close to them while you lead an activity or give directions will quell a fair amount of the unwanted behavior. (from Yale.edu)
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