How Teachers Can Increase Their Confidence in the Classroom by Use of Effective Classroom Management In building your confidence as a

In building your confidence as a teacher, it is important to understand that the confidence you earn is a result of your affect. A teacher's management of the classroom, method of teaching, pride in their profession and respect for the individuals in the class are some of the important elements in the equation of building a teacher's confidence. In the paragraphs following, I have briefly stated ways in which I would practice classroom management for young and older students alike. If respect and care in a structure for the course and the students is carried out, than the students will have a strong desire to learn, which in return, give me self-assurance in my profession as a teacher.

The procedures, strategies and instructional techniques that teachers use to manage student behavior and learning activities are what make up classroom management. Effective management will create an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. Practicing simple methods can be done instantly in your career by simply greeting students at the door. A warm personal welcome sets the tone for the day and gives the teacher a chance to assess each student´s mood and head off problems before they begin.

Initially, with a new class it is important in making the students feel a sense of belonging. Finding ways to make them feel welcome (for example, making sure to say their names correctly) and showing an interest in their cultural heritage. Finding opportunities for the students to succeed boosts self-esteem and confidence in learning a difficult subject like a foreign language. It is important to find these opportunities to showcase students´ accomplishments and talents.

The job of a teacher is so much more than helping a student to learn something new. What also facilitates the learning process are the ways in which the teacher conducts themselves and sets the tone for the classroom. Besides having effective teaching methods, a teacher needs to be firm, consistent, respectful and understanding among many other things. When creating a rapport with students and establishing a structure at the beginning of a term, it is important to be consistent with your requests and promises. Treating all of the students equally when giving praise or reprimanding is also critical. Students are sensitive to fairness and can distrust your position if you make contradictions.

Organizational skills serve as the backbone of a teacher´s vocation. Everything must be planned out ahead of time. Having an up to date curriculum for the class, familiarizing oneself with the students´ names and specifics on their level of learning, creating a course outline and daily lesson plan the night before and thinking of what appropriate games and activities to incorporate into the course; the teacher´s organization can determine the success of the course being carried out. As an educator, being able to have patience with students and yourself will make possible moments of tension smoothen over. Patience allows for rational thinking when needed most. If a teacher is uncertain about a certain situation, they should consult their head of department for advice. It is wise to keep a sense of perspective and a sense of humor as part of the job.

Within the teaching field, there have always been the same trademark problems of tardiness, lack of participation, absenteeism, incomplete assignments and problematic behaviors. By taking simple measures you can have an improved outcome that can remain with consistent effort. Changing the dynamics by regularly mixing up the students´ seats challenges them when they´re involved in paired activities and role-plays. Students who are obviously weaker in their coursework could be reinforced by being paired with those more advanced, and students who are distracting together should be separated. When having to discipline an individual student I would do it quietly and privately. Engaging in a disciplinary conversation across the room will only cause resentment and embarrassment that doesn´t resolve anything. Positive reinforcement with eventual warnings and consequences are appropriate. This treats students with civility and their own authority to pass or fail.

Finally, in order to have a class that is successful, a teacher must really enjoy what they are doing. It becomes important to them that their students succeed and gives them great pride in reward.

*In choosing a topic for my final task, I initially wanted to write about teachers´ confidence in the classroom but I wanted to incorporate what I feel builds that confidence, so I have combined the two subjects as one.

References Tschannen-Moran, M. & Hoy, A. W. (2001). Teacher efficacy: Capturing an elusive construct. Teaching and Teacher Education, 17, 783-805.

"Mentoring Across Boundaries: Helping Teachers Succeed in Challenging Situations" by Jean boreen and Donna Niday. http://www.stenhouse.com/pdfs/0377ch02.pdf