“It is an integral part of education and teaching that truly makes all the difference. There is no intent here to claim that classroom management and discipline are not important. Yet I need to underline that classroom management is not teaching. Classroom management is a necessary condition for teaching. Therefore claiming that because there is no noise from a classroom, that students sit in rigid rows, and raise their hands before speaking means that effective teaching is happening is not well founded. Teaching and learning are much too complicated for that.”
- M.U.N Faculty of Education
- M.U.N Faculty of Education
Classroom management is one of the most influential factors determining student and teacher success. Without effective classroom management students are unable to focus and learning is impaired. As teachers, it is our responsibility to provide an environment that is organized, safe, welcoming, and structured. We have a very esteemed postion, students look up to us as role models and mentors and we need to keep this in mind at all times.
Classroom management skills are synonymous with good teaching. From my experience, an effective classroom manager is fair, respectful, highly organized, efficient, kind, caring, patient, knowledgable, and has excellent time management skills. From my combined time at St. Thomas University and my two internship experiences I have had many experiences and opportunities to observe the classroom management skills of other teachers and to practice my own. I have learned that classroom management takes time to master and that it certainly cannot be learned in one day. It takes consistent time and effort every day. Students need to know that you are there to help them, but that you are also a respected figure and a leader in the classroom.
One of the most significant things I learned about classroom management, in all grade levels, is that consistency is of the upmost importance. Students need to know that you cannot be easily swayed and that once you say something, you will stick to it. Students need consistency and structure in the classroom and you must ensure that this is emphasized and followed for them, and for yourself as a teacher. Being reliable and fair are important characteristics to accentuate and model for your students.
Classroom management skills are synonymous with good teaching. From my experience, an effective classroom manager is fair, respectful, highly organized, efficient, kind, caring, patient, knowledgable, and has excellent time management skills. From my combined time at St. Thomas University and my two internship experiences I have had many experiences and opportunities to observe the classroom management skills of other teachers and to practice my own. I have learned that classroom management takes time to master and that it certainly cannot be learned in one day. It takes consistent time and effort every day. Students need to know that you are there to help them, but that you are also a respected figure and a leader in the classroom.
One of the most significant things I learned about classroom management, in all grade levels, is that consistency is of the upmost importance. Students need to know that you cannot be easily swayed and that once you say something, you will stick to it. Students need consistency and structure in the classroom and you must ensure that this is emphasized and followed for them, and for yourself as a teacher. Being reliable and fair are important characteristics to accentuate and model for your students.
A good classroom manager has a set of rules and behavioural expectations for their students to follow each and every day. I found that these are most successful when students have an opportunity to contribute to the rules which they are expected to follow. At the beginning of the school year a teacher should, along with taking the time to get to know her students, establish a set of classroom rules that are based on the needs and input of both the teacher and students. They should incorporate the school code of conduct and be specific for the group of students that the class is comprised of. The classroom teacher can post the finalized rules and modify them (with contributions from the class) as it becomes necessary. I have found that this is one of the best and most successful methods to start the school year off in a way that coincides with excellent classroom management and student success.
I have included two papers that I completed as part of my coursework at St. Thomas University. They reflect my further views and opinions on classroom management and developing a positive classroom atmosphere and environment.
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I have also included a seating plan that I created during my internship at Park Street. This seating plan is based on a survey that the students completed. They were asked to list two students in the class that they felt they worked best with, and two students who they felt they did not work best with. Based on the results of the student input surveys I created this seating plan which was implemented and used throughout my internship.
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