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Classroom ManagementClassroom management is the cornerstone of any academic experience. It is the teacher?s responsibility to ?creat(e) a safe and orderly environment,? (Moorman) in order for students to flourish scholastically. There are two main areas that teachers need to securely set up to create a manageable class: a positive classroom atmosphere and an effective teaching delivery. With these conditions established, students? chances of excelling in their studies will drastically increase. Positive Classroom Atmosphere When you step into a classroom, the room décor and teacher set the tone of the classroom climate. On the surface, the way the room is decorated effects the way you feel. Walls filled with bright colors and cheerful pictures send a positive message. As a teacher, you must ?decide the feel of the room.? (Zauber). The goal should be to make the ambiance of the classroom ?inviting and ripe for learning? (Brovero). Marian Brovero, a 31 year teaching veteran, recommends you display every new skill presented. Bulletin boards and charts around the classroom are a great way to present new topics and to reinforce old themes (Brovero). If you ?value students? work and enjoy displaying it,? (Zauber) the students will take pride in their work too. Teachers can shortly see their students display more confidence in their work and take more initiative in their learning environment. There are not only physically touches teachers can add to the classroom climate but intangible ones that can be included too. Just like the décor of the room is a big influencer of students? attitudes, the demeanor of the teacher controls the mood of the room. Consistently being positive and showing mutual respect to all, will demonstrate to your students how to act. Being an ESL teacher is not only about teaching english, but also teaching how to behave (Seven Tips). As the teacher, the EFL Law website suggests that you ?be a role model for ideal class behavior? (Seven Tips). Never belittle, avoid using threats, never allow name calling, and do not acknowledge bad behavior are some policies to follow. Teachers should tell students that they should be do and not what they should not do (Moorman). Emphasizing positive behaviors and attitudes, reinforces constructive actions. In a positive learning environment, students can focus and thrive in their studies. Effective Teaching Delivery Now that an environment conducive to learning has been established, a teacher must perfect the delivery of the lesson?s message. Key elements of a good delivery are clear instructions and variety in presentation approaches. Through a good presentation, students should be able to perform the tasks of the lesson independently. A consistent routine should be established, so that students know what is expected of them. This structure should not be rigid, but a general guideline. Victoria Chan?s research suggests that the teacher should provide the framework and sound guidance to in-class activities (Chan, pg 80). The teacher must then been very explicit when giving instructions, otherwise they will undermine the students? ability to do the task independently (Chan, pg 80). Varying the way the teacher presents their lesson is an encouraged technique (Seven Tips). The teacher should not want to become too predictable, and thus boring to the students. A teacher should be enthusiastic about teaching as their energy is contagious. Also, the teacher should be knowledge about the subject. If the teacher is unsure, then the students will be too. Moving around and knowing every student?s name keeps students attentive. Before starting to give instructions, the teacher should make sure they have the undivided attention of the class (Zauber). The reuse of similar instructional phrases helps keep instructions brief. In addition, visual demonstrations aid in getting the point across quickly. A teacher?s aim should be is to teach toward learner autonomy (Chan, pg 75). The focus of the lesson should not be teacher-centered but learner-centered (Chan, pg 75). The learner-centered process gives students more control over their learning process. Successful learner autonomy characteristics are critical thinking, self sufficiency and ownership of their studies. This technique empowers students to set their own academic goals. By establishing trust and respect in the classroom and employing effective teaching methods, a teacher can foster a thriving learning climate, where confident and empowered students will succeed. Sources Cited Brovero, Marian. ?Stop Your Energy Drain.? National Education Association. Web. 15 April 2011. Chan, Victoria. Fostering Learning Autonomy in an ESL Classroom. TESL Canada Journal. Vol 18. No 1, Winter 2000. Pg 75-86 Moorman, Chick and Thomas Haller. ?A Safe and Orderly Environment.? National Education Association. National Education Association, 2002-2010. Web. 15 April 2011. ?Seven Tips for ESL Classroom Management.? EFL Law. Efl Law, 2006-2010. Web. 15 April 2011. Zauber, Karen. ?Management Tips for New Teachers.? National Education Association Website. National Education Association, 2003. Web. 15 April 2011.
