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How can I manage a classroom when more than half of the students are constantly talking out of turn and choose not to participate in classroom activities? How many warnings is enough before taking the next step of discipline? 

When you are met with this dilemma, it's essential to stop and reflect on why the students might be acting this way and disinterested in the classroom or topics; this is the perfect opportunity to talk to them. Give them a voice in the classroom, and ask them what they would like to do (related to the subject) to make them want to be engaged and desire to learn. Certain behaviors need to be reprimanded and fixed, but if the main issue is talking or lack of participation, you have to take a different direction. Also, if a behavior is done repeatedly with no reprimanding or repercussion but just constant warnings, they know nothing will be done, so the behavior never changes. I do not know what grade you teach; if you teach elementary students, implement actions that will get their attention, such as '1,2,3 eye on me' they'll respond with '1, 2 eyes on you' or 'Stop, Look and Listen' kids will reply with 'OKAY!' Make sure you reward good behavior, such as 'secret student,' and tell the kids that the best-behaved kids will get a prize at the end of the day (stickers work just fine) and remind them that you're doing secret student throughout the day. Make sure lessons are creative and hands-on to keep them engaged. For older students, give them responsibilities. Make different students, especially those with unwanted behavior and the most respected student by other students, leaders in the classroom; it could give them a different perspective. Implement free time for them to talk or go on their phones at the end of the class period, but only if their behavior is good throughout your teaching. Like stated before, give them choices, even if it's as simple as picking out what worksheet to do for the day. Classroom management takes time, and it can often be trial and error; you will learn what strategies work best for you and your students. 

I think sophia is right. It is imortant to take into consideration why the students may be acting out. Are they from a bad homelife? Do they lack attention at home? Do you have a relationship with them? I think the MOST important thing when teaching is establishing a relationship with students. If you get too friendly, they will not respect you but if you do not care to be their frined, they still won't respect you. There is a line when it comes to friends with students, do not cross it. 

As a pre-service teacher I find all of this information to be very helpful. Sophia, I agree that every situation is unique and before reacting we should evaluate what the context of such behaviors maybe. It can be especially hard to gain respect as a new teacher, so being sure to establish boundaries and respect, then following through can be very helpful. Thank you all for the great advice and guidance!

Hi Dianna, I am currently a 4th year preservice teacher at Wartburg College. Classroom management is a topic that we often discuss in our class. I believe the first step is recognizing why the students may be misbehaving. I would consider maybe taking some time to talk with the students to see what you can do as a teacher to make them more engaged in the content you are teaching. I also believe another very important thing is building relationships with each student in your class. Creating relationships creates respect between you and the student which will also help with classroom management.