Implement a daily routine by scheduling all activities at the same time each day. For example, students should always come in and be expected to complete a task even before the teacher gives out instructions. In a political science class, students could watch five minutes of the news at the beginning of class. Such routines create structure in which students find comfort.
Set alarms to reinforce schedules in the classroom by signaling the beginning and end of each activity. The psychologist Pavlov experimented with dogs and found that a bell ringing each time a treat is given produces saliva even when a treat is not given. Humans also respond instinctively to sound so attaching specific sounds to specific tasks will help students to complete tasks and assignments more quickly.
Another way to implement reinforcement schedules is to reward the students' achievements. When students know they are going to receive a reward after doing a task or assignment correctly, then students will have an added incentive to be more cooperative. Rewards are more powerful than punishment and so whenever possible, in in negative situations, rewards should be used as well.
Require signed contracts by students. Their signatures will serve as confirmation that they are familiar with all the classroom policies, including your schedule.
Verbally instruct students even if they have written instructions available to them. It is important that students hear their teacher giving them specific instructions as this stimulates the auditory part of their brain.