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Unit 5 focused on classroom management including: different techniques for classroom management and when these are effective, how to maintain discipline in class without alienating students or destroying rapport, and the possible causes for misbehavior amongst students. The section of classroom arrangement was useful as it flagged up a checklist of things which it is useful for teachers to pay attention to when teaching a new class. For example, students relationships with each other will often become important if the teacher wishes for students to work in pairs and could have either a positive or negative effect on the effectiveness of the activity depending on whether the pair have a positive or negative relationship. By looking at the class dynamics the teacher will be able to identify students who may not get along, or those who have a stronger/weaker ability in English language learning, and use this to their advantage. Making a conscious effort to learn students names can also be effective for maintaining focus however, this can be difficult for teachers such as myself who visit many schools so spend a very limited amount of time with each class and, as mentioned, it is important in these situations not to pick on students whose names the teacher has already learnt. As for discipline, the role of the English teacher can vary depending on culture and whether they teach on their own or team teach. Despite this difference however, I feel that it is important for all teachers to know the most effective (an ineffective) methods of disciplining students, plus their own schools disciplinary codes, as there may come a time when it will be necessary to do so. Not losing your temper is of vital importance and can be of even more importance depending on the culture of the country in which you are teaching. I felt that this unit gave a very wide explanation of techniques to use when managing different types of classroom dynamics (whether that be because of a difference in student numbers, student personalities or classroom space). This is therefore incredibly useful for all teachers as it will allow them to have the knowledge to maintain effective classroom management even if their situation changes drastically in a short time.
