Teach English in TiAnjin KAifAqu Xiqu [Tianjin Development Zone West] - Tianjin

Classroom ManagementOne of the keys to having success in the classroom is being able to manage the classroom. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, but one of the hardest and often times scariest for first time teachers, is maintaining discipline. What does this look like? How should I respond? Is there a right or wrong way to exercise authority? Though there are many areas of classroom management, this paper will focus on responding to problems in the classroom and creating not only a more enjoyable teaching environment, but also a safe place for students to learn. Why is disciplining a problem? It can be a confusing and stressful moment when a student acts out for the first time. It?s easy to assume that this student?s attitude is a reflection of their feelings towards you and your class, but a lot of times, the problem can be a combination of different things. Family problems and student low self-esteem are things that the student can bring with them to class and are issues that you have little control over. Other issues such as boredom, peer pressure and class size can also contribute to discipline problems. Though you have no control over the former issues, the latter problems can be prevented in the classroom. How do you prevent behavior problems? Sometimes the best way to deal with issues is to stop them before they even begin. This can be accomplished in simple ways, such as being on time to your classes and being prepared for what you are teaching. When student see that you take your class seriously, it will be easier to put that expectation on them and receive the desired response. Another way to prevent problems is to be consistent and fair in your rules. No special treatment or favorites in the classroom. Students can see and feel this and it will only cause problems. It?s also important to put personal feelings aside for students, which will help in enforcing rules. Other ways in prevent problems include making lessons interesting, learning student names and hobbies, not losing your temper and screaming to gain control and not making threats that you are not willing to follow through with. By establishing and practicing this type of classroom management, your will be more prepared to respond when problems do arise. How do I respond to problems? When the time comes for you to act when faced with a discipline problem, there is a right way to respond. Most importantly, you need to respond immediately. Don?t wait it out and hope that the problem will go away, because chances are the problem will only get worse and may spread throughout the class. After you have addressed the problem, I think that it?s always important to focus on the behavior and not the student, meaning, let the student know that you enjoy them as an individual, but that certain action is not tolerated in the classroom. By doing this it allows student-teacher relationship to stay strong and highlight that there are consequences to breaking rules. When handling discipline issues, I always hold and address students after class, saving them the embarrassment in front of their peers and taking pressure off you to make a speech in front of the entire class. Another important element in the art of disciplining is keeping your cool. Almost never does shouting solve problems. By keeping clam, this allows you as the teacher to take a moment and compose yourself, putting your thoughts in order so that you don?t say something you later would regret. Discipline may be one of the more dreaded aspects in the area of classroom management, but when done correctly and in love, the classroom becomes a more enjoyable place. When students have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and lines of expectations are clearly drawn and followed through with, the classroom becomes a safe place to be and the learning can finally begin.