At Johnson County Community College (JCCC), we are committed to fostering a positive and productive learning environment for all students.
Effective classroom management and behavior support are essential components of this commitment. Below are some key strategies and best practices to help faculty manage classroom behavior and support student success.
Preventing disruptive behavior starts with establishing clear norms and expectations from the first day of class. Faculty should identify both productive and disruptive behaviors, address classroom expectations verbally, and model the behavior they expect from students.
Consistent interaction with students, such as greeting them as they enter the classroom and incorporating group work and discussions, helps build rapport and reduce management issues. When disruptions occur, it is crucial to stay calm, listen to student concerns, and address the behavior directly and immediately.
Prevention is the most efficient intervention for addressing behaviors that interfere with learning. Faculty should be proactive in supporting students and use effective de-escalation techniques to prevent intense behavioral responses.
Strategies such as behaving calmly, listening to student concerns, and setting clear limits can help de-escalate challenging situations.Most students at JCCC engage with faculty and teaching staff in a productive and collaborative manner. Our faculty/instructors hold significant authority in their interactions with students. However, on the rare occasion that a student acts in a threatening manner, the Dean of Student’s Office recommends the following actions:
Direct Threat
If a student makes a direct threat that indicates imminent bodily harm or injury, call 911 immediately. If the threat occurs on campus, and there is time to do so, request to be connected with JCCC Campus Police so they can respond quickly to the location of the incident. Take steps to protect faculty and students by leaving the area.
Additional resources for safety planning and response are available from the JCCC Police Department at 913-469-2500.
Indirect Threat
If a student becomes oppositional, argumentative, disrespectful, or makes indirect threats such as "You better watch out," establish clear boundaries and limits regarding their behavior.
Faculty may ask the student to leave the area, and should inform the student that their behavior is inappropriate and that the interaction has ended. If the student does not leave the area when asked, call JCCC Campus Police for assistance.
Faculty can contact Student Rights and Responsibilities at 913-469-3806 for additional help with safety planning and responding to student behaviors.Disruptive behavior is often caused by stress or frustration. Be a calm, steady presence. Acknowledge the student’s feelings and concerns while specifically addressing the behavior that is disruptive and set limits.
Remove the student from that class session if they do not comply. If the student does not leave after being asked to do so, call JCCC Campus Police for assistance.
Direct intervention will resolve most situations; however, some students and situations may require additional consultation and follow-up. Student Rights and Responsibilities at 913-469-3806 is available to assist in handling disruptive situations. If the disruption causes immediate concern for personal safety, always call JCCC Campus Police at 913-469-2500.
JCCC provides additional resources and support to help faculty manage classroom behavior effectively.
- Our Center for Teaching and Learning offers workshops and training on classroom management and behavior support.
- Registered students at JCCC agree to certain responsibilities. View the most important Student Rights and Responsibilities and reach out to Justin McMillan, Manager of Student Rights & Responsibilities, with questions at jmcmil32@jccc.edu or 913-469-3806.
- Reach out to Cathy Almai-Mahurin, Dean of Students & Learner Engagement, for support at cmahuri2@jccc.edu or 913-469-3409.
- The Access Services team is ready to partner with your student in navigating their academic paths.
- JCCC Counselors are available to assist with personal challenges or problems students may experience. Crisis counseling is available during office hours. Call Counseling at ext. 3560 or 3809, or, when possible, bring the student directly to the Counseling Center, 2nd floor Student Center. A call ahead to let them know a student is coming is always appreciated
- JCCC Police make campus safety a priority. If you need assistance, call 913-469-2500, (913-339-6699 TDD/TTY), or 4111 from a campus phone