Perspectives about Effective Classroom Management

Effective Classroom Management Strategies

Effective classroom management is an effective integration of teaching strategies, teachers’ knowledge of students, classroom rules, positive student-teacher relationships, and parents’ support. 

Check the pulses of the students through observation and communication

In the first lesson, teachers can arrange self-introduction activities to enable teachers to understand some basic backgrounds of the students and explore their personality.

If a class is managed well, teaching and learning shall be easy for teachers and students. Having said so, students’ problems may pop up at any time. Teachers should maintain constant connection with students so as to develop sensitivity to their needs.

Developing student-teacher relationships

Everything that a teacher does in the first month will significantly contribute to the final success of teaching in the year. If teachers seize the first lesson to understand their students, they are likely to be able to develop positive relationships with students. While promoting rules in classrooms, teachers have to be good role models demonstrating positive attitudes for the students. If teachers would like the students to be punctual for the class, the teachers should walk the talk and be on time. Teachers have to punish students if they violate the rules. Punishment can be perceived as a scaffold to help students improve and become better individuals. Yet, teachers should make sure that the rationale behind the punishment is well explained, reasonable, and not arbitrary. Every student in unique in different ways; teachers ought to respect students and try their best to facilitate students to reach for their limits. Aside from striving for academic excellence, teachers should give more encouragement and care to students and keep an eye on their small details like behaviors and personal thoughts.

‘ I have once taught some less capable students who needed clear instructions for all tasks. So I worked out the tasks with the students to make sure everyone was on the same page. In addition to the verbal instructions given by the teachers, teachers should actively involve in the games and discussion with the students. Students will definitely feel the commitment and dedication from teachers. In short, if you want to be a successful teacher, make good use of the start to build trust with the students. Students will change because of you.

Effective use of teaching strategies – teaching for not controlling

The most effective classroom management style should impose no rules over the students. Students come to class not because it is a lesson, but because it is a learning opportunity. If the teachers put too much emphasis on rules for managing students, the teachers are bound to fail as the rigid regulations will enlarge the gap between teachers and students. If teachers dare to leave rules behind and solely focus on using different teaching strategies to fully engage students, students will indulge in their learning and forget about the rules.

Developing regulations

When a new academic year starts, teachers should delineate the rules and regulations clearly to students in hopes of helping them develop a sense of responsibility. Despite the black-and-white rules, there can be exceptions for students, showing the care and empathy from teachers. For instance, teachers may allow late submission as long as the students have acceptable reasons. Teachers should constantly encourage students to participate in lessons and ask questions. When questions and problems arise, teachers should explain to students patiently; if possible, teachers may invite some students to offer help to others. Once students are accustomed to the teaching styles, they can be relaxed and keep their focus on their learning. Therefore, teachers are suggested to explain the learning objectives and relevant arrangements to students so that students will feel at ease in class. To facilitate students’ learning experience, teachers may suggest them keep a notebook to record their learning. While dealing with challenging questions, teachers should give sufficient time for students to discuss and work out their ideas. Teachers should also observe students learning progresses and praise them with relevant evidences or observable contribution they made to the class. Sometimes, students may be distracted and go off task easily. Instead of punishing them, teachers should be mindful of their words and remind students of their expectations in the communication. Teachers must bear in mind that they are helping the students to be better but not destroying their self-esteem.

With a view to enhancing classroom management, many schools have devoted a considerable amount of resources to optimize rules and regulations. Without much to be done to reinforce the rules, it is hard for teachers and students to actualize the objectives. In this sense, teachers should guide students to achieve the goals systematically in addition to rules.

‘For example, teachers ought to tell students explicitly about their misbehaviors and correct them on the spot. Apart from using language, teachers may use movement or facial expressions to signal the problems. Teachers should maintain their authority carefully as a matter of fact that once their authority is destroyed, they may lose the trust from their students.’ 

Handling students' disruptive behaviors

“If there happens to be some disruptive behaviours in class, teachers should avoid arguing or creating conflicting with students. Teachers should, however, step into students’ shoes and manage the issues in a harmonic manner. As long as students are clear that teachers are for their own good, they would not try to break rules and disrupt the classroom regulations. Oftentimes, students negotiate the amount of homework with teachers. Teachers may listen to students’ concerns and make reasonable adjustment to help students enjoy their learning.”

“When it comes to punishment, we believe that by doing some extra work, students will get rid of their bad behaviors. Teachers must explain clearly to the students about the rationale behind the punishment. “

“The integrity of students is very important. Any late submission should be well-explained to teachers; otherwise, students should be punished. To make up for the lateness, students should show their sincerity and respect for their teachers in the second chance. However, punishment shall never be done as a kind of personal attack. Teachers should put more emphasis on how they can do better.

Gaining Parental Support

Teachers should try to maintain good relationships with parents, in particular those of SEN students, through regular meetings where they can share their expectations on the students.

It is sensible that whenever emergency happens, teachers should contact parents immediately. However, teachers should not wait until any incident occurs to make their first contact with the families. Instead, they should have constant communication with parents, sharing the contributions and positive attitudes that the students have demonstrated at school. Meanwhile, teachers may also talk about the potential or talent found in students so that parents will have a more comprehensive outlook of their children.

Understanding more about the personal aspects of students, teachers can have more common topics with students. It is beyond doubt that both parents and teachers want the best for the students.

However, there have always been some conflicts between parents and teachers. In hopes of building mutual support, teachers may look closely at the differences and communication gaps between parents and them. It is hoped that the constant communication will enable parents to see the immense workload of teachers and learn to cooperate with teachers to help their children grow inside and outside school. Parents’ attitude towards teachers will have great influence on students. They should be good role models showing their children how they should respect to their teachers.