Classroom management is essential for effective teaching and learning (Marzano, 2003, p. 1). It involves the management of instruction (Darch & Kameenui, 2004, p. 4) and creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning to thrive. According to Sternberg and Williams, classroom management can be defined in different ways.
According to a definition given in 2002 (p. 384), classroom management refers to a teacher's ability to effectively control students in order to create a positive learning environment. Classroom management comprises various aspects such as routines, rules, consequences, contracts, parent-teacher communication, and classroom layout. However, a teacher must first understand the four dimensions of classroom management before delving into these sub-areas.
The dimensions encompass different aspects such as expected behavior, variety and challenge in assigned work, a
...nd smoothness and momentum during lesson presentations (Marzano et al. , 2003, p. 5). Among these dimensions, "withitness" is likely the most challenging to grasp and implement. Regarding "withitness," the teacher needs to be "observant and attentive to everything going on around them" (Sternberg ; Williams, 2002, p. 389). After understanding these dimensions, it is time to focus on the sub-areas of classroom management.
The initial topic to be addressed is routines. Routines can range from basic actions upon entering the classroom to the entire daily schedule of the class. According to Teacher 1, there are methods to simplify the learning or remembering of complex routines. This teacher exemplifies the idea by suggesting that specialty classes be held at the same time so that students become accustomed to that specific time. Another aspect of routines is how the teacher signals or directs the students. Teacher 3 utilizes various method
to cue the students.
Various strategies are utilized by this teacher, such as clapping patterns, turning off the lights, using a microphone, or simply verbally reminding the students to quiet down. These routines are taught in order to maintain order and minimize behavioral issues. In addition, rules play a crucial role in classroom management by providing clear boundaries for student behavior. It is essential for the teacher to effectively teach and enforce these rules.
Once the rules have been taught, they should be documented and displayed alongside the school rules. A good example of appropriate rules for a primary level classroom can be found at Teacher 4's school. The school rules consist of being kind, being safe, being respectful, and always trying. These rules are then displayed for all to see, along with the classroom rules. Rules play a crucial role in maintaining classroom discipline. Additionally, it is important to teach and display the consequences that accompany these rules.
It is crucial for teachers to remember that even effective teachers cannot prevent all discipline problems (Marzano et al., 2003). However, preventing problems in the first place is the best approach, as Teacher 3 stated. Developing a classroom management plan at the beginning of the year includes creating a plan for responding to unanticipated, but potentially serious behavior problems during instruction (Darch & Kameenui, 2004, p.74).
A teacher must ensure that they have a consequence for every potential misbehavior in the classroom. Among the various consequences, contracts are commonly implemented to address behavior issues. Completing a behavior contract helps students acknowledge their misbehavior and develop a solution. Moreover, contracts also function as a form of documentation.
It is advisable to utilize behavior contracts exclusively for severe misbehaviors or repeated offenses. Parent-teacher communication is another crucial aspect of classroom management, which can be achieved through various methods.
Teacher 2 mentioned various methods for communicating with parents, such as encouraging them to volunteer, sending weekly newsletters, and providing a daily folder for individual notes if necessary. Other suggestions for parent-teacher communication include presenting awards, sending birthday cards, creating letters and postcards newsletters, as well as providing both monthly and weekly calendars. Increasing the frequency of parent-teacher communication helps to ensure that parents are well-informed and aware of their child's expectations in the classroom. Keeping parents informed also demonstrates to the students that their classroom activities are shared with their parents and acknowledged.
By not informing their parents about misbehavior, students' behavior can be improved. The classroom management plan involves maximizing the use of physical space and arranging seats in a way that enhances student performance. The layout of the classroom is closely connected to learning and behavior problems. Teacher 1 highlights the significance of monthly changes in the seating chart to maintain diversity.
To create an effective learning environment, it is important to arrange the desks in a way that allows easy movement for the teacher. Additionally, minimizing distractions and interruptions in the classroom is essential. The overall layout should be designed to promote concentration and learning. An organized classroom has a positive impact on students' response compared to an unorganized one. Therefore, a well-managed classroom depends on a good classroom layout.
After familiarizing oneself with the four dimensions of classroom management and establishing all the sub-areas mentioned previously, any teacher will have
a solid base to create a successful school year. By addressing all these aspects, a teacher can effectively control their classroom, leading to more time dedicated to quality learning. As Sternberg and Williams (2002, p. 388) state, "A well-managed classroom means more quality learning time and more quality learning time means more actual learning is taking place." In conclusion, effective classroom management plays a crucial role in facilitating students' effective learning.
References
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