Classroom management blog posting

A VERY ROUGH DRAFT!

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.