Classroom Management Strategies That Work in Health Science CTE

Managing a health science classroom is different from managing a general ed class. With rotating labs, supplies, and professionalism to teach, you need systems that support structure and real-world readiness.

Daily Routines

Use bell ringers to start class consistently and with focus. Introduce this routine to students from day 1 and always incorporate it into your daily lesson plan.

Make sure to set up all classroom supplies, assignment baskets, reference materials, etc. in accessible, consistent locations just as they would be in the workplace. Students who know where to find the tools they need, when they need them become efficient in their work.

Reflect, Don’t React

Encourage student reflection on behaviors and how they'd affect a patient. Becoming a reflective practitioner takes practice to become routine. Our Clinical Reflection Template (also available on AUL) provides a framework that makes this a breeze!

Assign Roles

From supply managers to sanitization leaders, give students ownership. This can mean routine or rotating classroom responsibilities -OR- it can mean designated roles within group projects.

Use Clinical Language

Frame discipline in terms of patient safety, team roles, and ethical practice. CTE classrooms are where students first learn what to expect in the workplace so model that within the learning environment.