Research has shown that effective classroom management can lean to an increase in student achievement and motivation. As teachers, we want our students to achieve and have a positive learning experience. In order for effective classroom management to occur, there must be three things:
1. A positive classroom climate
2. A teacher who is caring, firm, democratic, enthusiastic, a good model, and who holds high expectations of his or her students.
3. A set of effective instruction strategies
A positive classroom climate is one where students feel psychologically and physically safe, capable, and included. Students in such classrooms are allowed to make decisions and choices �within well-defined limits (p. 260.)� Teacher characteristics play a major role in determining if the classroom environment will be a positive one or not for students.
Teacher characteristics also contribute to effective classroom management. A caring teacher is one who demands that his or her classroom be a psychologically and physically safe learning environment for all students. When students feel safe, they are able to fully concentrate on their studies. A firm teacher is one who stands behind his or her established rules, which can help students learn to be responsible for their actions. Teachers that fail to follow through with their rules send a message to students that the rules serve no real purpose and that there may or may not be consequences. A democratic teacher is one who allows students to make some of the choices , provides leadership and guidance when needed, and promotes student ownership of learning and belonging. A teacher who holds high expectations of his or her students is one who expects all students to achieve in learning. While some students might find certain material especially difficult, an effective teacher still presents the material in a positive manner, which encourages students to try their best. Lastly, an effective teacher is one who shows enthusiasm for his or her subject and who models appropriate behavior. Enthusiasm should be sincere, so that students will know that the information is important and valuable to learn.
In addition to possessing characteristics of effective managers, teachers should also use effective instruction strategies. Instructional strategies, such as questioning, organization, use of time, focus, feedback, and review, contribute directly to orderly classrooms. The book mentions that the beginning of a class period is often when most classroom management occurs and that simple organizational strategies, such as starting a class on time, can help reduce the number of potential problems. Additionally, organization can help teachers cope more effectively during certain special days (i.e. days before holidays) or times (i.e. last class period.) Using time wisely can also help keep classrooms running smoothly. For example, having a warm-up activity on the board when students come into the classroom, can help eliminate �dead time� at the beginning of the class period and can minimize or eliminate chances that management problems will occur. Lesson Focus�using an overhead, chalkboard, displays, etc. to attract and maintain student attention�also helps teachers in managing the classroom in that it allows the teacher to see more easily students who are not paying attention to the class. Additionally, this helps students focus their attention on the topic being studied, which can contribute to learning. Interacting with and involving students in the classroom also helps minimize management problems. Questioning strategies helps to keep student attention because they know that they may be called on at any time to respond. Feedback helps students see the accuracy of their responses. Good feedback should be immediate, specific, positive, and should provide corrective information. Providing a review or summary of what was learned or discussed at the end or beginning of a lesson helps students link what was learned with what will be learned in the upcoming lesson.
Planning for effective classroom management involves three main things: establishing and implementing class rules and procedures, planning the physical environment, and establishing and maintaining positive communic
Probably the most important aspect of effective classroom management is establishing and maintaining class rules. Rules should be stated in a positive manner, stating what students are expected to do, not what they should not do. Additionally, a rationale should be provided with each rule. If students know *why* a rule exists, then they will be more likely to follow it. Further, students should be allowed to help create the rules. Doing so, gives students ownership of the rules to the students and encourages them to take responsibility for themselves. Finally, the list of rules should be short and ideally posted in the classroom, so that students can remember what they are. To help students understand rules and procedures, teachers should treat them as they would any other concept by providing examples what compliance and noncompliance to the rules and procedures would be. This should be done at the beginning of the year. As the year progresses, teachers should constantly monitor these rules and be sure to enforce them. Doing so will prevent many management problems from occurring.ation lines with parents.