|
When it comes to classroom management, the key principle can be simplified: Nothing should interfere with the process of learning. Whatever it is that attempts to do that, you deal with it accordingly. On the other hand, you can also be more elaborate and approach things scientifically. Take any classroom and identify the elements that affect the learning process and address each one to maximize advantages and avoid pitfalls. Factors to Consider in Classroom Management Physical setup. Every little thing influences the overall atmosphere of a classroom. Think of arrangements, decorations, sizes, distance and accessibility, tidiness, etc. and plan your room with insight. Human beings. Research and observe when it comes to the relationship among your students and how they behave and interact in the classroom. Find out how your students regard you as well, and amend your image if it needs modification. There are also elements here that may be beyond your control, such as the students' nutrition, sleep and self-esteem, but they should also be accommodated for you to teach effectively. Technical training and skill. Are you properly equipped with the teaching techniques that will help you manage your classroom well? Do you know how to engage the entire class leaving no room for boredom? Apply those theories you learned in school. Time. Is it close to mealtime? Are you rushing the students by giving them a time limit? This factor may seem irrelevant, but behavior is affected by both official and unofficial schedules. Potential Management Problems From the factors discussed above, you can get a pretty good idea what kind of problems a teacher might face in a classroom. If the setting of the classroom is not appropriate, students may start to act out to show you that they are frustrated with the setup. They do not have the authority to make changes regarding this and an insensitive adult may not realize that the physical setup of the classroom is the element that's causing problems. Students with behavior issues do not only impede their own learning, but also usually distract the entire class. It's important for the teacher to be able to sense where misbehavior is stemming from and how to control it. It could be brought on by factors that are beyond your influence, in which case it would still need to be addressed. Often times, students are lured into misbehavior because of boredom. If they are not challenged enough, they tend to get uneasy and look for ways to occupy their time, usually in manners that teachers very rarely appreciate. Discipline Tips to Remain on Top of Your Classroom 1. Start the year with a concrete discipline plan. Students can detect right away if you're the kind of teacher who will let them get away with things. With rules and expectations in place, the students will know how to behave accordingly. Make sure that the regulations you give are easily understood, leaving no room for qualifications and justifications. 2. Be consistent. The minute you become inconsistent about your own rules, your students will begin to doubt you. You will be labeled unfair and this instance can be used as a precedent, a distinct ammunition the next time you attempt to discipline. 3. Avoid free time. Keep a plan and a structure in place. This way, you maintain control over what's happening in your classroom. Have a set of pre-planned mini-activities in the event that you finish a lesson early. 4. Avoid sermons and confrontations in the middle of a class. If kids are being disruptive, diffuse the situation with as little interruption as possible. Confrontations are embarrassing for both the students and the teacher. It's also difficult to return the tone of the classroom to the normal, learning-conducive one when somebody's upset. 5. Know when to be firm and when to be flexible. Discipline is something that you have to implement firmly, but when dealing with kids, you have to make frequent adjustments to better cater to their learning needs. You may have to rearrange seating and furniture, modify lesson plans, enlist the help of an aide, etc. A well-managed classroom is characterized by a good, cooperative and respectful relationship between students and the teacher, the students' willingness to submit to the authority of the teacher, and the involvement of students in the learning process. It is a continuous challenge for a teacher to create an organized, caring, and efficient classroom environment, so remember to keep your energy high.
Teachers are managers. Join the education group at whatdoyouwantfromthem.com and find advice, tips and support from fellow educators. You can also create a private group/social network for your school – a great
management resource for training , discussions and more.
|
