How can I productively react when students misbehave or act up?

There are many different reactions that you COULD have as a teacher when a student acts up. There are also many different interpretations of what "postively reacting" is. For me, I believe it depends on the severity of what the student is doing. If it is simlpy speaking out of turn or being disruptive you could implement various strategies for class participiation. Examples of this are the tickets we used in Theresa's class or the "talking turkey" in Beth's class. If the student's actions are more severe then this, most of the time I would talk to them after class or find a time to talk to them quietly during class that does not single them out. Some students are simply looking for attention from you, find a way to give them this so they do not feel the need to disrupt class. Above all, try and refrain from sending them to the office. This takes away from their learning time and just means that you have to reteach the material later on down the line. Also, is passes the authority down the line to make it appear that you do not know how (or are not willing) to deal with it. Most importantly, the kids who act up need the extra attention. There is also a reason for them acting up that is NOT simply that they are a bad kid. Find a way to relate to the student and work on building a good studen/teacher rapport. Go the extra mile!

Which strategies are most effective for maintaining order in the classroom?

There are many strategies that are effective for maintaining order in the classroom. The most important ones that I believe I will implement when I teach are:

-Allow student input when creating the classroom rules on the first day.
-Clearly state class objectives at the beginning of the year, unit, and lesson.
-Get to know your students by a survey.
-Allow students time to vent at the beginning of the class, this will lead to fewer disruptions during the class period.
-Avoid sending students to the office. Not only does this take away from their learning time but it also passes the authority to a different person. Students will respect you more if you try and work out the problem with them.
-Make sure students know you are there for them. This will lead to fewer disruptions because it appears to them that you are on their side.
-Implement meaningful and engaging components into every lesson. This will help to maintain order in the classroom because students will be motivated and less likely to act out.
-Incorperate the multiple intelligences. If students are able to learn their own way they will be more engaged and less likely to act out.
-Get a solid system or routine. It is frustrating for students when things are constantly changing. They need something to rely in.

There are many different strategies to implement in the classroom that pertain to maintaining order. I feel that these are the most important ones. Students need structure in how things are done but sympathy from you when things go wrong. As a teacher you must remain firm yet flexible. Set the rules, but leave some flexibility in them for when the unexpected happens. Even the most dedicated students are able to act out if you are not willing to roll with the punches.