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Classroom ManagementClassroom management issues can overwhelm new teachers. A well-organized and efficiently managed classroom is the essential foundation upon which to build a solid program. A friendly, relaxed and well-disciplined atmosphere is required to ensure students will achieve their highest potential. Some key elements stand out as critical components of a well managed classroom. The following will briefly summarize some of strategies recommended to ensure a successful teaching experience. Physical components such as eye contact, gesture and the voice are relevant important factors. Eye contact should be direct, but not in an overwhelming fashion, encourage contribution from students yet hold the attention of those who are not being addressed to maintain discipline. Good gestures convey meaning of language, reinforce instructions and add visual interest. They help increase the pace of the class and reduce the need for verbal explanation. Variation in voice is also important. Altering tone and volume will help avoid boredom and misbehavior. The voice must have clarity and range to ensure instructions are understood. They should be simple, consistent and reinforced with visual clues. The classroom setting bares an effect on the ambience. To create a sense of belonging whole- class grouping is important but not always the ideal set-up. Grouping and pairing students can increase student interaction and give them a safe environment to share thoughts and ideas. It removes the burden from individuals and is helpful to reduce shyness amongst certain students. Group work encourages students to cooperate and negotiate in english and they can choose their level of participation. Domination from group or pair work should be monitored. Students can also work independently. This scenario allows the teacher to respond to differences in pace of learning abilities. It also serves to help students become more self reliant and may reduce stress for those who are reluctant to participate in front of the whole class. There is no ideal setting or limit to the way the teacher decides to group the students. Classroom arrangement should be organized in accordance to the chosen group/pair work or independent setting. The arrangement can vary depending on certain factors such as: space available, size of the class, age , nationality and personality of students. Students can be moved, within reason, pairs can be mixed . The teacher must ensure that the arrangements are the most conducive to maintaining effective control over the class. Orderly rows, circles, separate tables all have their own place in the classroom. The common denominator should be the teacher?s position. It should also be visible to the students and vice versa. The teacher?s position bares effect on controlling the classroom. Standing, sitting, and moving around the class should be varied according to the situation. Standing is the best option when the teacher requires the attention of the whole class or while giving instructions. Sitting or standing at a distance is a good choice when students are reading or working together in the Activation Stage. When checking or monitoring , movement is best. The teacher can reduce the amount of time he/she spends with his/her back turned to the classroom in a variety of ways. Writing on the board is unavoidable. Some material can be prepared before the start of class or while the students are engaged in a different activity. The use of overhead projectors and flashcards are helpful. On a more personal basis, establishing a rapport between student and teacher plays an important role in determining the success of a class. The teacher?s attitude and approach can encourage the students? contribution. Icebreaker activities can assist both student and teacher in gaining information about each other. Involving students to exchange opinions, help and correct each other elicits interaction amongst them. As for the teacher, an enthusiasm for the job, a positive attitude and a keen interest in the students are important. Personalizing activities to the student?s surroundings and interests is recommended. Smiling is also contagious. Following all of the above strategies will not ensure a totally disciplined class. When required the teacher may need to exercise control .by address problem behaviors immediately. This could involve simply stopping and looking at a student or changing the dynamics of the class by rearranging seating. Should stronger action be required, keeping the student after class and reprimanding privately is appropriate. Consulting with a colleague is also a good idea. In all situations, keeping calm and is a must. In conclusion, each teacher will find their own style of teaching through practice in the classroom. Eliciting a friendly, relaxed atmosphere may take a bit of work at first however, will help ensure the success of the class. An organized and well-managed classroom will benefit the students immensely.
