New teachers find classroom management to be a concern when entering their first classroom. Some basic guidelines will help to achieve a well-manage classroom where students find the environment safe and conducive to learning.
First and foremost, a new teacher needs to establish the rules that will be in-place within the classroom. It is important to post the rules within the classroom no matter what age group of students will be served. The rules need to be pointed out to the students on the first day along with the consequences of not following the rules. The teacher will need to stand firm on the rules and the consequences for the students to understand the teacher expects them to be followed.
Classroom management may be attained by using firmness within the classroom by simply using the “teacher’s voice” and eye contact. Students understand the normal tone of voice used when giving lessons. When a teacher raises their voice slightly and becomes stern in their words, the students most generally respond by conforming to the rules set within the classroom. Eye contact is vitally important so the student realizes they are the ones being confronted and spoken too.
When a problem student becomes overly disruptive to the class, they may be taken in the hall for a private conversation or sent to the principal’s office. It is best to try and handle the situation at the classroom level. The principal’s office should only be utilized if the student has been a chronic abuser to the classroom rules or is causing enough disruptions that the others in the classroom cannot work and concentrate.
An excellent classroom management technique that may be used by a teacher is having the student causing the disruptive behavior either sit by them on the floor or on a chair next to where the teacher is located. Most generally, students do not like having the attention of the others in the classroom because of inappropriate behavior. They prefer to sit at their desk and just cause problems. Using this type of an embarrassing and harmless corrective measure allows the student time to think about their conduct. They are more than willing to return to their seat and get back to work. This corrective measure works for students at every grade level.
Treating each student with respect and using the “golden rule” will achieve a great deal in classroom management. The students will respond well to an adult who treats them like they are “real” people and not just kids in a classroom that they are having to entertain. A level of respect will develop between the student and the teacher. Classroom management will be put on the back burner with the development of mutual respect between the teacher and the student.
