Module 11 Reading and Response

Module 11 Reading and Response: Classroom Management

by Prof Jennifer Rachal

​What is classroom management?

​Classroom management includes:

• creating routines​

• establishing rules

• managing paperwork

• making schedules

• arranging the room

Classroom management is goal-oriented, with the understanding that the most important piece is teachers building relationships with students. ​Ultimately, you will need to formulate a management approach (style) that is compatible with your personality.

​Which classroom is "managed" best?

​Characteristics of a Well-Managed Classroom

• Engaged: Students are involved in their work and know what is expected of them

• Time management: Time is used wisely, students are not disruptive

• Purposeful work: Students are working toward a common goal

Open Ended

Discuss one of the classroom management mistakes from the video. Why is this a common teacher mistake and what are the possible negative outcomes?

​3 to 5 rules for appropriate behavior seem to be the ideal numbers. How these rules are established depends on grade level, the teacher’s philosophy of classroom management, and what is considered acceptable behavior in the school.

Open Ended

Why is it important for students to help create a few simple classroom rules with the teacher at the beginning of the school year?

​The three C’s of classroom management

• Content: planning the physical environment, deciding on daily procedures and instruction

• Conduct: rules and guidelines for student behavior

• Covenant: managing relationships, developing strong communication skills

​Stages of classroom life that influence behavior

​•Forming: beginning of the year - students are learning roles and procedures. 

•Storming: early in year - students begin to test the limits and distance themselves from rules. 

•Norming: middle of year - most behavior struggles have been addressed. 

Performing: mid to late year - students are showing self-reliance and self-discipline.

​Adjourning: end of year - students move forward with an understanding of expectations in a classroom setting.

Multiple Choice

In what part of the year are students testing the limits of classroom rules, also known as storming"?

• Beginning of year

• Earl

• Mid year

• Late in year

​Personal Classroom Management

​At the start of the school year, teachers must make time for establishing relationships. The goal is to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging through trust, connection, and understanding. For students with learning or behavioral problems, developing positive relationships provides a sense of protection and safety that helps them stay focused on learning.

​Personal Classroom Management

• Greet students by name

• Make one personal comment to them each day.

• Note individual efforts as you build relationships with the students.

​Parents and Classroom Management

​•Encourage parents to spend time in your classroom

•Chat with parents when they pick up their children

•Invite parents to bring spouse or other family members

•Call a parent you haven’t met

•Give your contact info

Open Ended

Why do you think it's important for teachers to contact parents to report good things happening in the classroom as well as the times when they need parental support on a discipline matter?

Multiple Select

Classroom Management includes:

• Establishing Routines

• Reward and Punishment

• Building Relationships

• Arranging the classroom

• Choosing curriculum

​Think about some of the teaching strategies from the last module:

• ​project based learning?

• ​whole brain learning?

​Why wouldn't traditional classroom rules work with some of these strategies?

Open Ended

Why is it important to meet with students one-on-one to discuss misbehavior rather than punishing misbehavior in front of the class?