Minds on Science Gazette

Volume 10

Case Studies

Classroom Management

 

Case Study 1: Misbehavior in the Lab

The Case. Mrs. Jones, a first year teacher is conducting one of the first laboratory exercises of the year. . One of her students, John, throws rubbing alcohol into a burning Bunsen burner. Brad, the student working next to John, gets burned on his hand.

The Problem: How do you handle this situation? How could this incident have been prevented? What safety violations do you think might be part of this case.

Case Study 2: The Smith's Come to School

The Case. Doreen Smith is a student in Jeff Murdock's first period Biology I course. Doreen has visited Mr. Murdock quite often for detention after school. Doreen has since the first week of school been breaking the rules for the eight weeks. Mr. Murdock has decided it's time for a parent-teacher conference. The meeting has been set for before school (since it is more convenient for the Smiths). On the day of the conference, the Smith's arrive, and as soon as they come into Mr. Murdock's class, they accuse Mr. Murdock of picking on their daughter, and treating her differently than the other students in the class.

The Problem: How do you proceed from here? What do you say to the Smiths? How can you resolve this dilemma.