Classroom management

Classroom management is defined as the methods and strategies an educator uses to maintain
a classroom environment that is conducive to student success and learning. Although there are
many pedagogical strategies involved in managing a classroom, a common denominator is
making sure that students feel they are in an environment that allows them to achieve.
Classroom management is the term teachers and instructors use to describe the act of
managing their classroom and students to ensure that stressful and non-educational situations
are avoided and students learn topics and subjects effectively. Classroom management involves
more than the management and discipline of the students but also the availability of additional
information on topics. Effective classroom management will make life less stressful for teachers
and ensure that students are provided with the correct tools and a calm environment in which to
learn.
Classroom management will differ from one teacher to another because of the teacher's
personality, teaching styles, preparedness and number of students in the classroom at any
given time. Effective classroom management involves teachers being prepared for lessons,
motivating students, providing proper and effective discipline, making students feel comfortable,
building student self-esteem and designing constructive and entertaining lesson plans.

Classroom management is important for effective teaching and ensuring that students learn
the material rather than committing it to short-term memory for regurgitation of facts on tests.
Engaging students in lectures by moving around the room, asking questions, and employing
both verbal and nonverbal teaching methods ensure that students are paying attention and
taking more from the learning experience than simple facts. Engaging students boosts their
confidence and makes the lesson more effective.

The key to starting the school year off with effective classroom management is to begin the year
by teaching the students the behaviors and conduct expected of them in the classroom.
Teachers should deliver a syllabus to older students or explain procedures to small children. By
making rules and procedures the priority the first few days of school and explaining each rule
and procedure with authority, teachers can effectively enforce their needs for a properly
managed class.

Classroom management is more effective when a teacher is prepared. Failing to be prepared

shows weakness and allows time for students to disrupt and cause problems while the teacher
is formulating a plan for the day. Adverse situations often occur unexpectedly, so having

emergency lesson plans handy for days when you are unable to design a specific plan is an
effective classroom management tool.
Another effective classroom management technique is exuding confidence in all actions. A
teacher who exhibits confidence rather than timidity will accomplish more in the classroom and
gain the respect of the students. Confidence assists teachers in terminating unnecessary
conversations, off-topic discussions and disruptive behavior.

Lack of classroom discipline results in academic chaos, low student performance and teacher
exhaustion and frustration. However, a successful solution involves inviting the community to
assist in solving the situation. The creation of a well-disciplined classroom should include not
only the teacher but also the parents, administration and the community.

Several reasons exist why classroom discipline is important. It creates a safe learning
environment for both students and teachers. Teachers can deliver effective lesson presentation
without classroom disruption, and students can receive a quality education without constant
distractions. Classroom discipline is designed to produce well-mannered students with proper
personal, social and ethical abilities. These abilities may eventually give them the opportunity to
make significant contributions to their communities. An undisciplined classroom wastes time and
energy, robs students of a quality education and diminishes a teacher's overall effectiveness in
classroom control.

Many classroom management strategies and techniques are available for teachers and staff.
The responsive classroom approach is one of the more popular ones. Students are encouraged
to play an active part in academic choice making. They assist teachers in rule creation as well
as influence weekly lesson plans. Through morning meetings and daily classroom discussion
circles, students and teachers develop a safe and rewarding learning environment. This
involvement helps reduce the need for classroom discipline. Students are no long passive pupils
whose duty is to listen to the daily lectures of the classroom teacher. Instead, they play an
important role in helping to shape their own futures.
However, allowing student involvement does not alleviate the need for discipline. Even in the
best classrooms, students attention may need to be refocused. An effective method called
developmental discipline, a program designed by Marilyn Watson and four other educators,
takes a mild approach to discipline. According to this group of educators, a well-disciplined
student is one whose competence, independence and affiliation needs are being supported.
Their method of discipline consists of using strategies such as indirect control, reminders and
social behavior teaching. Indirect control involves arranging the classroom environment is such
a way that it encourages students to remain focused on the task. Reminders involve using facial

or hand gestures to redirect student focus. Teaching social behavior happens throughout a
school day. Whenever there is conflict or confusion in a classroom, this becomes a moment to
teach proper behavior.

Not all students will respond to mild discipline. Some students may need a harsher brand of
discipline such as time out, detention, logical consequences, withdrawing privileges or
suspension. Instead of backing down, teachers must assert their authority. According to Watson
and her colleagues, this harsher method is a form of power assertion. However, such a method
should be use sparingly in order to persuade students that school and education are significant
to their success in the future. In the process, teachers also must avoid diminishing a students
need for competence, affiliation and independence. These should be reaffirmed after each
discipline episode.

The traditional method of classroom discipline is hardly effective in today's classroom. Teachers
and schools need assistance from parents and communities. Parents must commit to the reality
of their child's future and ensure that their children receive a proper education. Community
leaders and representatives must enter the classrooms and remind students that they are the
future of the community and that success will one day rest upon their shoulders. Teachers must
commit to high standards when it comes to student achievement and refuse to give up on the
most disruptive pupils.

Problems that I face in the classroom

Fidgeting Students

Some students may be unable to sit still. Make the student aware of their fidgeting,
create a behavior modification chart, use a timer to encourage students to stay
focused, keep activities short and praise improved behavior.
Aggressive Students

Students may have personality conflicts with other classmates or may lash out
when frustrated. Be attuned to their body language and verbal tones before they
react physically and respond to them calmly by giving them a choice to orally
resolve the issue or leave the class.