Teach English in LaoshAn Jiedao - Beijing

Classroom Management Understanding classroom dynamics are crucial to having a positive classroom experience, both for the teacher and the student. As a person who is new to teaching, I chose to write about classroom management because I want to learn as much about it as possible. What really is the secret to classroom management? The articles I have chosen to read have taught me there are a variety of techniques in managing the classroom appropriately, and it is most important that teachers have awareness of them so they can be implemented when needed. In order to be a successful classroom manager, it is first important to understand why classroom management is necessary. ?A number of studies suggest that a direct link exists between teachers? ability to manage classroom behavior and their students? learning? (Ratcliff, 2011, page 16). Classroom disruptions take away from student learning and quality interactions. A study was recently conducted on the impact of misbehavior in the classroom in rural South Carolina with thirty-four 2nd and 4th grade teachers from 10 different elementary schools. Findings showed that teachers who were characterized as strong had fewer instances of misbehavior because they interacted with their students more, created an engaging environment by asking questions and there was a clear focus on instruction and learning. In other classrooms where teachers were characterized as needing improvement, there was less structure and more problems. students roamed the classroom, played with classroom materials such as sharpeners and rulers, and argued with the teacher. Teachers spent more time managing behavior rather then teaching. There were distinct differences in how the teachers acted and reacted in the classroom that created these environments. Some teachers used management skills, while others did not. Researchers have found that classroom management is obtainable by doing the right things at the right time. There are also many skills teachers have to choose from to create a positive classroom environment. Accentuating the positive is one of the most important skills a teacher can exercise in his or her classroom. Having a positive attitude, and making a concerted effort to point out the positive things each student accomplishes is excellent to keep the motivation levels high in the classroom. Plus, it makes children feel good about themselves and their work. Being consistent is another important classroom management skill. Having a routine and acting firm, but fair in every instance will create mutual respect between the teacher and the students. It is also important that there is an atmosphere where the teacher listens to the students, and the students listen to the teacher. Taking the time to get to know your students is the glue that will hold all of this together. On the first day of class, it is so important to take the time to introduce yourself as the teacher, say your name, and learn each student?s name. Additionally, learning why your students are taking the class, some of their likes and dislikes, as well as their hobbies outside of the classroom are worth knowing. It all contributes to creating relationship, which builds mutual respect. Other great classroom management skills include keeping the students busy with a variety of activities, allowing your students some choices, create opportunities for prizes or rewards, and hold the students accountable for their behavior, and their work. Even though the teacher is the primary agent in creating a positive classroom environment, there are other factors to be aware of as well. Teachers should be aware of the school-wide approach that exists in their institutions, and should also be bold enough to advocate for classroom management if it is not a priority among school administration. The students themselves also play a role in classroom management, and it is appropriate for the teacher to put some of that responsibility as well (holding them accountable). Effective classroom management is the foundation on which effective teaching and learning are built. As a new teacher, I am excited about the opportunities that lay before me, especially after having completed the TEFL training. I am thankful to have learned the necessary skills in appropriately managing a classroom. I look forward to strengthening my abilities to have a productive and positive experience in my own classroom in the future. Sources: Gambrell, L. (2011). Seven Rules of Engagement. The Reading Teacher, Vol 65(3), 173-178. Marzano, R. (2011). Classroom Mangement: Whose Job Is It? Educational Leadership, Vol 69( 2), 85-86. Ratcliff, N., Jones, C., Coster, R., Savage-David, E., Hunt, G. (2011). The Impact of Misbehavior on Classroom Climate. The Education Digest, 16-20.