Withitness
“Withitness” is a term coined by education researcher Jacob Kounin to describe a teacher’s awareness of what’s going on in the classroom at all times. It’s the ability to monitor and respond to multiple classroom events simultaneously, often preventing minor issues from escalating into major disruptions.
Key components of withitness include:
Proactive behavior management
Quick and appropriate responses to student needs
Effective multitasking in the classroom environment
Teachers with strong withitness skills can:
Maintain a positive learning environment
Reduce classroom disruptions
Increase student engagement and participation
Developing withitness is an essential skill for effective teaching and classroom management. It can be improved through experience, self-reflection, and targeted professional development.