Classroom Management Introductions:
What is your beliefs on classroom management?
Share your views on Classroom Management and Introduce yourself to classmates in TED 626.
Did you know that without classroom management even the best designed lesson and most engaging tasks will be useless? Classroom management is the foundation of teaching, without it chaos can rule. When classroom structures are in place everyone can thrive including the teacher. Significant research has found classroom management has the largest effect on student achievement (Marzano, 2013).
Rules and routines are not inherently intuitive for any student. Students may enter the classroom with notions about what is positive behavior based on their culture, home life, previous school experiences, as well as lack of knowledge. A student who has never been to the library before does not know that silence is golden.
When it comes to classroom management explicit direct instruction is paramount. Don’t assume anything even for adult learners I am still reinforcing the notion of active classroom participation and be on time. Here are three simple steps you can take to enforce classroom management:
Step 1: Have a discussion about importance of rules, procedures and routines.
Step 2: Clarify procedure through modeling
Step 3: Practice daily and discuss what worked and could be improved.
For example if the rule is to line up at the door before class begins and to enter the class room quietly. There are a few things that students must practice and you must address.
First students need to know what it means to get into a straight line. There should be one student behind each other and not side by side. Potential problems may arise such as the dreaded “you cut me”. As a teacher you need to foresee potential issues in classroom management and set up a “procedure” that will remedy any issue.
For example once you leave the line then you must go to the end of it. Next once the students have practiced and rehearsed getting into a straight line then they may enter the classroom. You will want to discuss why they need to get into a straight line and how they should enter the classroom. If students do not enter the classroom quietly then don’t just let them go to their seats, let them go back into a line outside the class and practice until they have achieved this.
From the way students file into the class, to the placement of student belongings, expectations and the tone are being set and internalized by the students. So what’s a new teacher to do on the first day of school. Here are my top ten tips for new teachers:
1. Greet students at the door. Shake their hand and ask their name.
2. Set clearly designated areas in your classroom for students to place their belongings, turn in homework and get materials.
3. Create a syllabus of your classroom assignments and expectations (this is especially important for middle and high school). Be sure you review this with your students and have parents sign and return.
5. When issues arise address them immediately.
6. Be consistent in your policies and expectations.
7. Establish hand signals and cues to get students attention.
8. Write your agenda on the board everyday.
9. Be fair and firm.
10. Don’t let them see you sweat until summer time. 🙂 Always keep you cool and stay positive.
Here are some links to videos on these models:
Fred Jones: Positive Discipline
Curwin Mendler: A Common Teaching Mistake
Curwin Mendler: Proximity, Eye Contact, & Privacy
Kagan & Scott: Win Win Discipline
Classroom Management at Teacher Channel: Overall Strategies
Which model most resonates with you? How might this approach be developmentally appropriate for the students you work with? How will this approach support you in the classroom working with diverse students from various backgrounds?
I look forward to hearing your response!