TEFL Classroom management

Classroom Management is the way in which we organize the resources, students and helpers in the classroom so that teaching and learning can proceed in an efficient and safe manner. Good classroom management results in higher student achievement.

A good first impression goes along way in establishing and maintaining management of a classroom. ?Research shows that effective classroom organization and management during the first few weeks of school are crucial in determining expectations, behavior patterns, and procedures that will persist throughout the school year.? It is therefore important that a teacher spends time planning and preparing for the new school year. Successful teachers know how to make an environment that is stimulating and inviting. Room arrangements and displays must be attractive, but also functional. Quality instruction requires that the teacher use materials other than assigned textbooks and workbooks. If teacher collects and organizes these items before school begins, planning richer and varied lessons becomes routine, making the teacher more productive, and reducing work-related stress. Boundaries and disciple are required for a classroom to be a healthy learning environment. It is important for the teacher to plan and systematically teach the students the classroom rules and procedures. Consistency is to be emphasis when enforcing rules and carrying out disciple to ensure that students are all treated fairly. Direction and expectations should be communicated clearly to the students. Students work best when they know what is expected from them. Teachers should expect the best from their students

Students often look at their teacher?s behavior to gauge what is expected from them. If the teacher is consistently late the students will be late. A good teacher will understand that they have a responsible to their students and act accordingly. Teachers should make a point to be early to class, to set regular homework, mark and hand back the home work quickly, learn and use the student?s names, plan interesting and varied lessons and spent time establishing a good rapport with their class.

A good teacher-student rapport is important in maintaining a healthy classroom environment. To establish a good rapport a teacher should spent time getting to know the students; what they like and dislike and adapting classroom lessons and activities to reflect their interests. Knowing the students name and using their names when asking questions, respecting the students as individuals and providing them with positive feedback and encouragement.

Praise and encouragement are important classroom management requirements. A teacher should focus and promote positive learning experiences for their students. Individual student and classroom recognition is extremely important for fostering student growth and learning. A teacher should spent time and effort developing a reward system that encourages and inspires student confidence.

A teacher should prepare lessons with clear learning objectives. Clear objectives ensure that there is a classroom direction. Having a direction will enable the teacher to control and monitor the student?s progress. It will enable the teacher to be flexible and adapt to the classroom dynamics whilst not losing sight of the overall learning objective. Pre planned lessons also have the advantage of maintaining consistency even if the teacher is away.

The successful management of a classroom is important in fostering a safe and efficient learning environment.

Author: Emma Vlahos

Date of post: 2007-04-18