Classroom Management Strategies
Classroom management is a complex process. It involves much more
than just promoting positive student behaviour. While this is an
important aspect of management, an effective classroom involves
many strategies including: creating the classroom environment, parent-teacher
interaction and assessment & evaluation techniques. A good teacher
must remain vigilant and through experience and self-reflection
of one's teaching practice continue to develop and refine these
strategies.
My philosophy of education involves creating a learning environment
where students will be given 'authentic' activities to apply their
knowledge. I believe that instilling an attitude of personal responsibility
within my students is an important 'life learning skill'. The atmosphere
of the classroom is very important and can be employed as an effective
behaviour management strategy in itself. Children spend much of
their daily lives the classroom. It follows that students will respond
favourably to a safe, comfortable and caring classroom environment.
It is my ambition to have students 'look forward to' being in my
classroom everyday. Maintaining student intrigue and promoting democratic
involvement in the classroom can also effectively reduce many behavioural
issues.
My approach to behaviour management is simple. The students will
determine classroom rules on the first day of class. I will add
any pertinent rules if necessary. I will use positive language for
all rules that students establish. In other words these rules will
be a collection of 'Do's' rather than 'Do Not's'. The rules will
be posted clearly in the classroom and each student will receive
a personal copy. I will inform students of the classroom timetable
and this will also be posted in the class. Consistency is vital
to effective classroom management. Established classroom rules will
be enforced fairly but consistently. Positive behaviour will be
illuminated and praised. Anticipating trouble and careful lesson
planning will avoid potentially negative behavioural reactions that
could occur during lessons and is an effective means of pro-active
teaching.
Communication with parents is an integral part of teaching. Frequent
and regular communication with parents is important as it allows
parents to be informed and demonstrates the teacher's organizational
skills. Regular newsletters sent to parents will keep them informed
of the materials being taught in class. These communications can
also aid in student learning by providing information about the
subjects as well as techniques, activities and tips for parents
to use at home with their child. Agenda books are also an excellent
means for daily communication with parents ensuring that they are
clear about daily student progress and homework requirements. When
meeting with parents it is important to discuss their child with
eloquence, as parents tend to take their child's academic and behavioural
performance personally. I feel it is important to remain positive
and inform parents of positive student achievements as well as any
problematic issues.
Assessment and evaluation of student performance is continuous throughout
the school year. In-depth, organized and unbiased assessments that
can be directly correlated to rubrics and Ontario Ministry of Education
Levels of Achievement are absolutely essential. The more data a
teacher can affectively compile and assess the better and more comprehensive
understanding of student achievement. These records will allow the
teacher to respond to particular academic needs of each student
and also provide the 'evidence' to support grades and evaluations.
Of course the expectations for each lesson will be clearly explained
to the students and marking strategies and rubrics will be provided
for the students in advance so they will have a clear understanding
of what is expected of them.
In conclusion, I feel that good organization is essential when running
an effective and efficient classroom. Clear communication of rules,
procedures, schedules and academic expectations with students and
parents is also crucial to success. As a teacher I will model a
positive attitude towards learning and promote caring and respect
in my classroom.
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