When most teachers and
students think of classroom management, they think of a set of rules and
regulations to put in place to avoid any problematic situations. During my experience in the classroom I have
learned that every situation and each different student requires an
individualized response for their actions. That no matter how much you plan and
try to avoid conflict, the unexpected is sure to happen at some point or
another. One article that I believe stands out as a prime example of how
building positive relationships with ones students is the best way to prevent
any classroom management problems is THE
ELEPHANT IN THE CLASSROOM: THE IMPACT OF MISBEHAVIOR ON CLASSROOM CLIMATE By: RATCLIFF, NANCY J.,
JONES, CATHY R., COSTNER, RICHARD H., SAVAGE-DAVIS, EMMA, HUNT, GILBERT H.
The article presents a very solid point of saying that the best
classroom management is anticipating the problem before it occurs. Very early
in the school year, for both experienced as well as new teachers, it is very
easy to point out which students will try to challenge your authority. In order to help prevent problems, the
management of your classroom has to start from the moment the students enter
your classroom on the first day of school. Standing at the doorway at
the beginning of class, smiling and greeting the students, shows you are
excited and happy to have them in your class is a great way to help build vital
relationships in the classroom. Another essential piece to building strong
relationships is simply learning the students’ names. Learning their names
quickly shows the students you care enough to get to know them. You can also do
this by asking the students about their lives and actively getting to know them
as people and not just students.
I believe there is a very fine line between having a productive
management plan and either being too strict or too lenient with the students. In
one direction being too strict with students can create a hostile environment
where students get frustrated with all the rules and rebel. I am sure we all
have had a teacher like this, who has created such a strict environment that we
are unable to enjoy our learning experience, and instead try to challenge every
decision the teacher makes. On the opposite end, a teacher who has to lenient
of a classroom posses a similar problem, students will push the limits, seeing
what types of actions the teacher will let slide, and try to find their breaking
point. In both these examples the students lack respect for the teacher, which
I believe is the main contributor to a hectic classroom.
The article also states that as an effective teacher one
should avoid retreating from a problem student. Personally, I believe that this
concept will only work to a certain extent. It again all comes down to how well
you know your students. When dealing with a problematic situation I believe as
teachers we should pick our battles. With misbehaving students I believe one of
the best choices is to not react to every misbehavior the students creates.
Many times I have found that the student is fishing for a reaction, and by them
not getting the reaction they are expecting, they are discouraged from
repeating the unwanted behavior. “Strong teachers waited for students to comply
for example during one observation a student was told to open his book and put
his finger on the correct line on the page. The teacher paused, watching while
the student complied, and then continued with the experience” this is a perfect
example given from the article on how the “strong” teacher did not comply and
give in to the disruption in the classroom.
At a very early age children catch on quickly when an
individual is being genuine with them. In order for your students to respect
and listen to your instructions, as a teacher you must also respect your
students. “Strong teachers in this study used significantly more praise and
rewards and significantly fewer threatening and punishing behaviors”. Showing
students that you are proud of their accomplishments will help some students
strive to keep that approval, whereas not reacting to the negative attitudes
will help inhibit these actions. For students with moderate behavior
problems I believe there are many different ways to help these students thrive
in the classroom. If the student is seeking attention by acting out in class,
the most effective approach I have found is to have the students get the
opportunity to teach the class. This will give the student the chance to get up
in front of their peers and receive the attention they desire in a positive
way. Using this approach will also be a positive method of formatively
assessing the student.
The last point the article
makes is that to keep the students engaged and on task not only does a teacher
have to be flexible in their teaching styles from class to class, but they also
need to reflect on their teachings, examining what is working and what is not,
and be willing to rework their methods for every individual.
Classroom management is not
something that any one teacher has figured out perfectly. It takes years and
years of practice and patience to even come close to creating the perfect
classroom. Once a teacher believes they have the perfect classroom setting, a
class may come along were your perfect plan does not work. I believe the
biggest aspect into putting together the pieces of classroom management is
building relationships and respect with the students. If you open your
classroom up to all students, inviting them into a respectful and caring
environment, students will respond accordingly. Knowing your students will help
you to be proactive in preventing problems before they occur, as well as
knowing how to handle specific individuals when a problem is unavoidable. Staying
open to new ideas and reflecting back on your teaching practices will help you
grow and evolve into the best teacher you can become.
