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Classroom ManagementWhat is classroom management? Some may think it has something to do with keeping students focused, well behaved or on task, etc. Others, may think it has something to do with how well a teacher can deliver a lesson by having it planned thoroughly (and having everything that is necessary for the class there and ready). Others, may think it has something to do with how well the content of a syllabus/topic of study is transferred and thus the students successful absorption of the material. And, then there are others who think it?s about making sure the teacher has all of these things covered and thereby ?managing? a classroom and fulfilling its potential as a prime learning environment. I for one, am one of these people. The next thing to address on this topic is; ?why is management in the classroom important?? Well, several of those points have been covered already, but to answer it as thoroughly as possible, we should throw a few questions back at it: 1. What is a teacher trying to achieve in a classroom? 2. What does a student hope to achieve in a classroom? 3. What?s the point of a classroom? Each of these questions targets a different part of the typical classroom, and each of these questions leads us to a very similar answer??it?s about the transference of knowledge and transference of skills to learners. So, why is classroom management important? Well, it helps people learn, helps them to absorb, and it assists the teacher in achieving these important tasks. I believe classroom management is involved in EVERYTHING a teacher is expected to do in and sometimes out of a classroom. I believe it covers planning (which is often done outside of a classroom), all preparation, a teacher?s teaching and non-teaching time, and it covers student?s behavior. Good classroom management is as near to the top of the tree a teacher can get in fulfilling their role as a successful teacher. If you can learn and practice good classroom management you will be a good teacher. Bad classroom management can lead to; badly timed classes, disruptive students, students learning below their potential, and of course extremely bad leadership from the teacher. So, what are some of the pitfalls that we teachers need to watch out for? What should we steer clear of with regards to classroom management? As I have already mentioned, PLANNING is key. Ensure that every lesson is planned well. This takes up considerable time, but gets easier and less time consuming the more it is done. Planning should become second nature in the profession if teaching. Leadership from the teacher is also very important. This can be achieved in many ways, and it is important that leadership is not confused with bullying/loud voice/physical abuse, etc. A good leader can catch the attention of their subjects without seeming over authoritative. The dynamics of a classroom and its students is also very important. A badly laid out classroom with uncomplimentary students sat next to each other will be a nightmare. Plan the room, get to know the students and arrange things accordingly. This may take time, but it will be well worth it after a few weeks of hard work. If, a teacher can use some of the positive points I have mentioned here, and avoid some of the negative points, they will be well on the way to successfully managing a classroom.
