Teach English in TiAnshAn Zhen - Chifeng Shi

Abstract: Classroom management consists of the practices and procedures that a teacher uses to maintain an optimum environment in which instruction and learning can occur. Management is the act of managing, supervising, guiding and caring for an organization, program, or project you have been entrusted with. A teacher is entrusted with managing a classroom as a learning environment. Classroom management doesn’t have to be complex. It doesn’t need to be a daily battle. And you don’t have to be the stern, stressed-out teacher you never wanted to become. On the contrary, classroom can be a source of joy and satisfaction. It can be life changing and perspective altering. It can be poignant and lovely and even beautiful. It can build relashionships, teach lessons and create memories that endure for a lifetime. Introduction: A smile is a subtle message that kindness and politeness are expected in your classroom. It starts a slow but sure chain of smiles that pay forward throughout your new class, setting a tone conductive to learning, behaving, and getting along with classmates. The truth is, smiling is a powerfull classroom management strategy you should begin using the first day of school. A simple pause is a powerful classroom management strategy. There are no hard and fast rules about when, how often or how long you should pause. You learn and become better and nimbler at using them through experience. At first, pausing just a couple of seconds may seem like a long time. It may feel strange and uncomfortable, even for your students. But in time you’ll love the impact it has on your teaching. You’ll find yourself speaking with more confidence using your body and facial expressions more, becoming more dynamic and willing to take chances with storytelling, playacting, and the like. Your word will have more power and your lessons will prove more effective. Your students will be more attentive and more interested in you, and less interested in misbehaving. Like much of classroom management, it is simple things, when applied consistently, day after day and perfected over time that add up in great teaching. Speaking softly is an effective classroom management strategy. Speaking softly has a calming effect on students. Just by opening your mouth you’ll be able to release classroom excitability and nervous tension which is most often caused by loud, stressed–out, and fast–moving teachers. A calm, polite voice sends the message that you’re in control of the class and that you know exactly what you’re doing. This is a comforting, even soothing, notion to students, and it frees them to concentrate on their learning. What does a well-managed classroom look like? A well-managed classroom has a set of procedures and routines that structure the classroom. The procedure and routines organize the classroom so that the myriad of activities that take place there function smoothly and reduce unnecessary stress. These activities may include reading, taking notes, participating in group work, taking part in class discussion, participating in games, and producing materials. An effective teacher has every student involved and cooperating in all of these activities and more. In an effective classroom, there is structure that provides for an environment conductive to learning. The students are working; they are paying attention; they are cooperative and respectful of each other; they exhibit self-discipline; and they remain on task. All materials are ready and organized; the furniture is arranged for productive work; and a calm and positive climate prevails. The characteristics of a well-managed classroom: 1. Students are deeply involved with their work, especially with academic, teacher-led instruction. 2. Students know what is expected of them and are generally successful. 3. There is relatively little wasted time, confusion, or disruption. 4. The climate of the classroom is work-oriented but relaxed and pleasant. Effective teachers prevent problems before they occur by implementing a plan at the beginning of the school year. The plan consists of the following components: • Using time as effectively as possible. • Implementing group strategies that produce high levels of student involvement. • Motivating and engaging student creativity and participation with good lesson plans and interesting academic tasks. • Clearly communicating objectives and procedures. Effective teachers have long known how to manage classrooms. Good classroom management doens not just happen; effective teachers plan good classroom management. If you are not managing your classroom, then your students will manage you. The effective teacher knows that student achievement will only occur when the students’ work environment is organized and structured, so their potential can be nurtured. Their self- confidence must be grown and self-discipline be instilled. Under the guidance of an effective teacher, learning takes place. The purpose of effective classroom management is to ensure that student engagement leads to a productive learning environment. A variety of activities can occur simulataneously. The students are working and tuned in to the teacher; they are cooperative and respectful of each other; they exhibit self-discipline; they remain on task. All materials are ready and organized; the furniture is arranged for discipline; they remain on task. productive work; a calm and positive climate prevails. Conclusion: The effective teacher starts off getting to know the students and laying the ground rules for the class that will help them meet their goals. The ineffective teacher starts off trying to teach subject-matter content before getting to know the students and laying down the ground rules for success. Failure of teacher and students is almost guaranteed. The ineffective teacher begins the first day of school attempting to teach a subject and spends the rest of the year running after the student. The effective teacher spends most of the first week teaching the students how to follow classroom procedures. When the students know how the class is run, they will be more willing to do whatever you want them to do. You can then have exciting and challenging classroom that maximizes student learning time because procedures and routines establish a healthy and productive environment in the classroom. References: 1. The First Days of School Harry K. Wong Rosemary T. Wong 2. The classroom Management Book Harry K. Wong Rosemary T. Wong 3. The classroom management secret Michael Linsin