Purpose of Classroom Management

Managing a classroom can be one of the most difficult responsibilities of a teacher.

Today's classroom is composed of a wide variety of students from different cultural and behavioral backgrounds. Classroom management is often one of the hardest things for a teacher to implement, but it is crucial to student success. Learning in the classroom is dependent upon the management skills of the teacher and the teacher's ability to implement them adequately.

Transitional Time Wasters

Some of the worst time wasters in the classroom are transitions between subjects or classes. It is at this time that students tend to get distracted and lose focus, and it is often difficult to get them back into the flow of learning that you are attempting to establish. Avoid messy transitions by having a set routine that they must follow when moving from one subject or class to another. For instance, you might have a non-verbal cue to let them know they are to put their math books away or a quick assignment they must complete as they initially enter the class. This will keep them task oriented and help them to avoid the wasted minutes that often occur due to poor classroom management.

Academic Success

The time that students save in a well managed classroom can lead to the availability of time for you to teach students academic material. When students spend time talking about social issues, or when there is a lack of control in the classroom that leads to continuous distraction, much time is often spent on attempting to squelch the undesired behavior. Set and follow classroom procedures consistently to avoid disruptions and increase academic time.

Behavior and Safety

Safety within the school and classroom environment is dependent on classroom management. When students are out of control, inadvertent accidents are likely to occur. In addition, students with different personalities may clash, which can lead to physical and verbal altercations. Make it clear to students that the classroom is a place where learning is taking place and that they must leave their personal issues at the door when they enter school and the classroom in particular. Engage parents in controlling student behavior by sending notes, emailing or calling them when there is a problem with behavior control issues.

Social Lessons

Students often do not understand how to treat others when they enter the classroom. They may call names, hit or disrespect others' property. This can lead to classroom management issues. Use the classroom environment to teach students how to politely behave in society. Have specific rules and consequences about name calling or disrespectful behavior toward other students or adults, and give rewards to students who perform basic niceties such as please, thank you and excuse me.

Setting and Reaching Goals

Students who reside in a well managed classroom are better able to set and meet goals. Goals are important for students to progress in their academics and personal achievements. When the class is out of control and no clear guidelines are set, students are less able to clearly see their goals and strive to reach them. Set clear goals for students in subject areas and post achievements in a prominent place in the classroom to encourage them to control adverse behavior and focus on necessary tasks.

References

• Scholastic Teacher: Seven Time-Management Sanity Savers
• Education World: Motivational Tools
• AdPrima: Classroom Management, Management of Student Conduct, Effective Praise Guidelines
• Effective Educational Practices: Motivational Strategies Designed to Improve Classroom Behavior
• 4Faculty: Classroom Management