How To Manage The Classroom Effectively
Managing the classroom effectively is one of the teacher’s most important tasks, and perhaps the most difficult. This is especially true for new teachers. But it can be a struggle even for veteran teachers, as they may also encounter students who challenge their methods.
Classroom management includes all the strategies that a teacher deploys to organize and order students, learning materials, space, and the use of class time to maximize the efficiency of teaching and learning.
Since each class and each student represents a different challenge, each teacher must find the strategies that work best when managing the classroom for their students. We are going to look at some of the effective classroom management strategies to facilitate the creation of an environment that supports teaching and learning.
Establish a positive relationship with students to manage the classroom
We must not leave relationships to chance if we want to get the most out of classroom management. Experts recognize that the teacher-student relationship is the foundation of effective classroom management. It is logical, since we all want to feel cared for and valued by those who are important to us in our environment.
Establishing positive relationships promotes a sense of belonging to the group and encourages students to participate cooperatively. Additionally, this helps them develop the confidence to experiment and succeed in a learning environment where they are not constrained by fear of failure.
How can you develop a positive teacher-student relationship?
Provide a clear structure as students respond positively to a structured learning environment. As a teacher you have to clarify your expectations to the class.
That is, the rules and regulations must be practical and consistently enforced. By doing this, the confidence that students will have can grow significantly.
Also, always treat students with respect, as well as create a pleasant learning environment. In this way, we will be encouraging their participation and the development of social skills.
Establish a routine when managing the classroom
In a University of Louisiana study evaluating the characteristics of effective teachers, researchers found that instructors who use classroom routines as a means of enforcing high standards of classroom behavior enjoy greater success.
For example, for students who are not progressing on an assignment, we will create clear guidelines known to them that they can seek help from. One of them may be asking your colleagues for help. If this does not solve your problem either, ask the teacher for help.
Flexible arrangement of class sites
At the University of Minnesota in 2012, a study showed that the physical adjustment of the classroom environment can foster greater collaboration between students and teachers. Also more communication and interaction. The placed in a flexible way in the classroom may facilitate teacher-student interaction.
Doing this will work much better than the typical confrontational teacher structure, placed in front of students, says Sheryl Feinstein.
Classrooms with flexibly positioned desks can solve a problem often seen in classrooms with fixed desks. In classrooms with fixed desks, students tend to seek their own stimulation through movement, off-task conversation, or disruptive behaviors.
These class-level approaches to effectively managing the classroom work in all subjects and levels. Large administrative support is not needed to carry them out and they should allow us to establish an orderly environment that is also friendly and attractive.
