Classroom Management
This blog serves as a discussion forum for a course practice exercise for EDM 510 at the University of South Alabama. Although teachers come in many forms, there will always be a common concern. That concern is classroom management. In undergraduate school, classroom management was not instructed, and I believe there is a reason for that. Classroom management is an art that is perfected by trial and error. I would like to share and discuss various tricks of the trade in relation to the subject of managing the classroom. When you are the sole adult in the room facing 35 students of various needs, wants, backgrounds, attitudes, and challenges- what can you do to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment? If you have not taught in a classroom full time, what are some things you would like to know more about?
Helpful Tips
- Learn student's names as soon as possible
- Use your sense of humor, but do not allow a culture of "shenanigans"
- Have a procedure of consequences, and follow through on them
As you stated, classroom management is truly learned by trial and error. Additionally, I feel there is no one-size-fits-all approach--this goes for both teachers and students. Teachers can have their preferences and standards modes of operation, but sometimes there will be classes that won't respond to certain techniques. I have found one technique that nearly ALWAYS works in heading off disciplinary issues is a greeting at the door for every student. Stand outside of your classroom and make it a point to say hello to each and every student as they enter the classroom. Students feel welcome, and you can also handle minor issues (such as food, dress code violations, etc.) outside of the room. It can also help you to gauge how your students are doing, and allows you to monitor students in the hallway during transitions.
ReplyDeleteChelsea,
DeleteThis is something that I have employed as well. They are greeted with a "Good morning," or "Good Afternoon," and reminded to begin their bell-ringer. Of course, I have to have a lot of students tuck their shirts in, put phones away, etc. I agree, greeting them gives the teacher a "heads-up" on any issues that may arise.
I have not taught in a classroom yet. I would like to know how you first introduce your classroom rules. I would also like to know how you handle disruptive behavior before it gets out of hand.
ReplyDeleteGreat question! I spend the first day with a PowerPoint on rules and procedures. Rules and procedures are kept simple.
Delete1. Raise your hand to talk
2. Respect everyone
3. Remain seated
4. Complete all assignments
Disruptions will begin early on so following through on consequences early on is at utmost importance. I use the following steps:
1. Verbal warning
2. Reminder warning
3. Refocus assignment to bring home (make sure you have them sign for it)
4. Parent communication
5. Office referral
Students, by nature, will test you. Make sure you follow through.
Thank you Sharon. I am going to write down your list of how you handle consequences.
DeleteThe biggest issue I have found in the past is your last point. I have seen many teachers that set their rules, and then never follow through with consequences. It is very important to set expectations for your students, and then demonstrate these are two way expectations. If you expect them to be quiet and they are not, then they also need to expect to receive whatever ramifications follow. Inconsistency will kill a young teacher.
ReplyDeleteScott,
DeleteYou are 100% right. When one begins teaching the biggest mistake will be lack of follow through. Humans have the desire to be liked, but affection and respect do not always go hand in hand. I used to be the Queen of Warnings with very little follow through, and that is how I nearly lost control of some classes. Things began to unravel at a rapid pace. Sometimes calling a parent in the middle of class is necessary in my class. There is nothing I loathe more than having to stop my lesson in order to make a parent phone call, but it shows them that I mean business. It was a challenge that required a lot of work on my part.
One classroom management procedure I've learned through an observation I did one summer is the practice of making students sign for important things you give them. These are usually test grades, progress reports, hall passes, etc. Students are usually more responsible when you have some type of documentation with their names on it. A lot time when problems arise, it's always the teacher's word versus the student's word. Having them sign things takes the liability off of you as a teacher. It may sound like a bit much, but I've seen this procedure work time and time again--especially when those parent-teacher meetings come up.
ReplyDeleteI have recently started this and I am so glad that I did. It may sound like its a bit much, but when you need that signature page, you will be glad you have it. Documentation in teaching is one of the most essential tips. I also document when I speak to parents, so I am covered when problems come and they deny that I have spoken to them about a problem before.
DeleteI like the idea of having the student sign for important things. What would you do if the student refused to bring it back? Where would you go from there?
Delete