EIGHT TIPS FOR GOOD CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

 Andrew Stutts

Good classroom management creates a learning environment characterized by acceptable student behavior, efficient use of time and appropriate intervention strategies.

Teachers have many obligations in the classroom. They are tasked with creating a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment for a diverse population of students while engaging each as individuals with unique interest and strengths. There is a need to foster a predictable learning environment in which each student has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults and peers. Also, teachers have to adapt their teaching for the benefit of all students, including those with special needs across a range of ability levels. This is mostly accomplished with good classroom management. Good classroom management creates a learning environment characterized by acceptable student behavior, efficient use of time and appropriate intervention strategies. Here are eight tips for good classroom management.

1. It's Easier to Get Easier

Many teachers make the mistake to start the school year not consistently carrying out their classroom expectations. Students quickly assess the situation and realize what they will be allowed to get away with. Once you set a precedent of allowing disruptions to the learning environment it can be very hard to reverse this trend. It's always best to start off rigorously imposing classroom expectations. However, if strictness is not your forte remember it's always easier to get easier as the year goes on. The reverse is never true! While you don't have to follow the adage, "Never smile until Christmas," it does have its merits.

2. Fairness is Key

Students have a distinct sense of what is and what is not fair. You must act fairly toward all students if you expect to be respected. If you do not treat all students equitably, you will be labeled as unfair, and students will not be keen to follow your rules. Enforce the classroom expectations consistently. This means that even if your best student does something wrong, they too get redirected for it. Lastly, the consequences need to be just as consistent.

3. Deal with Disruptions with as Little Interruption as Possible

When you have classroom disruptions, it is imperative that you deal with them immediately and with as little interruption of your class momentum as possible. If students are talking amongst themselves and you are having a classroom discussion, ask one of them a question to try to get them back on track. If you have to stop the flow of your lesson to deal with disruptions, then you are robbing students who want to learn of their precious in-class time.

4. Avoid Confrontations in Front of Students

Whenever possible avoid a confrontation in class. Obviously as the teacher, you need to keep order and discipline in your class. However, it is much better to deal with discipline issues privately than cause a student to 'lose face' in front of their friends. It is not a good idea to make an example out of an individual student. Even though other students might get the point, you might have lost any chance of actually teaching that student anything in your class.

5. Stop Disruptions with a Little Humor

Sometimes all it takes is for everyone to have a good laugh to get things back on track in a classroom. Many times, however, teachers confuse good humor with sarcasm. While humor can quickly diffuse a situation, sarcasm may harm your relationship with the students involved. Use your best judgment but realize that what some people think is funny others might find offensive.

6. Keep High Expectations in Your Class

Expect that your students have the best intentions. Reinforce this with the way you speak to them. When you begin the day, tell your students your expectations. For example, you might say, "During this whole group session, I expect you to raise your hands and be recognized before you start speaking. I also expect you to respect each other's opinions and listen to what each person has to say.

7. Make Rules Understandable

You need to be selective in your class rules (no one can follow 180 rules consistently). You also need to make them clear. Students should understand what is and what is not acceptable. Further, make sure that the consequences for breaking your rules are clear and known beforehand.

8. Start Fresh Everyday

This tip does not mean that you discount all previous infractions, i.e. if they have three tardies then today means four. However, it does mean that you should start teaching your class each day with the expectation that students will behave. Don't assume that because Joey has disrupted your class everyday for a week, he will disrupt it today. By doing this, you will not be treating Joey any differently and thereby setting him up to disrupt again (like a self-fulfilling prophecy).