Introduction
Learning is a complex process that requires teachers to have organizational and disciplinary skills. Classroom management is defined as “the use of procedures and teaching techniques that promote a safe and efficient learning environment” (Cini, 2017). It is a specific set of strategies used by educators to arrange students, allocate materials, and organize the space in order for the learning experience to be effective. Classroom management includes “creating the setting, decorating the room, arranging the chairs, speaking to children and handling their responses, putting routines in place (and then executing, modifying, and reinstituting them)” (Sieberer-Nagler, 2016, p. 163). Sylvia Cini, the Director of Special Projects at Central Piedmont Community College, identifies classroom design, rules, discipline, scheduling, organization, instructional technique, and communication as the most important areas in effective classroom management (2017). Although educators might have different approaches to teaching, these elements remain crucial to meet the class’ needs and optimize the learning experience for students. However, it is essential to acknowledge that all the aspects of effective class management contribute to the creation of a positive learning climate, but some areas are more crucial than others.
The Most Crucial Areas for a New Teacher
There are three areas of classroom management that are the most crucial to ensure the learning environment is positive and effective. Cini argues that communication is the most essential aspect of class management (2017). She emphasizes that being responsive and flexible allows teachers “to have clear and consistent lines of communication with your administration, colleagues, students, and parents” (Cini, 2017). Class expectations remain crucial in the process of creating an effective learning environment, which is why developing a particular set of rules is beneficial to teachers. Establishing rules is the second most important aspect of classroom management. Students “need to know what is acceptable and not acceptable behavior,” which is why rules have to be consistent and determined (Sieberer-Nagler, 2016, p. 165). Lastly, the instructional technique serves as another essential element of developing a positive climate between students and optimizing the educational experience for them. Teachers need to have the ability to tailor their instructional techniques in order to adapt to different age groups and student environments.
The Reasoning behind the Selection
Communication allows teachers to identify the needs of the students present in the class, which is invaluable in finding the right approach to each student. Open discussions and the teachers’ ability to compromise help them cooperate with parents and colleagues. According to Cini, without communication, educators can “lose the respect of peers, the attention of students, and the cooperation of parents” (2017). In addition, communication is integral to creating a positive climate where students feel respected and comfortable.
Rules serve as an essential framework for students to understand how to behave properly in an educational setting. Cini argues that establishing and reinforcing a specific set of rules can “foster respect, caring, and community” in the classroom (2017). Rules are directly connected to discipline and make it easier for teachers to handle misbehavior and disturbances. The effectiveness of students’ work in the classroom is much higher “in environments that are well-defined in terms of dos and don’ts and when they exactly know the rights and wrongs” (Sieberer-Nagler, 2016, p. 165). Rules do not only regulate the academic behavior of students but affect the patterns of their social interaction as well by establishing a learning environment that does not tolerate bullying and discrimination.
Tailoring an instructional technique based on the student’s age and academic background is crucial for classroom management. This allows teachers to present a personalized approach for each student, which would inevitably affect their performance and general level of satisfaction with the educational experience. Children’s learning styles differ in accordance with their age, academic preparedness, talents, and personalities (Sieberer-Nagler, 2016). Therefore, it is important to stay diverse and propose unique instructional techniques that would make everyone feel included and cared for.
Challenges a New Teacher Faces
A new teacher usually faces various challenges in terms of classroom management and organization. In order to establish respectful and trusting relationships with the students, teachers often have to cooperate with parents. A lack of interest and participation from the parents’ side serves as a big challenge for teachers. Organizational hierarchy and bureaucracy in the education system make it harder for teachers to coordinate their activities with colleagues and school administration. Moreover, new teachers often lack the practical experience to find the most appropriate strategies for rule reinforcement, which leads to unethical reprimands, including yelling and harassment. Lastly, the lack of time that teachers have to allocate to each student is a significant challenge. Instructional techniques require educators to assess the students’ preferences and learning styles rather quickly in order to develop the most suitable instructional framework.
Conclusion
Teachers have the important task of creating the most effective managerial system for the classroom. The essential aspects of classroom management are communication, rules, and instructional techniques. The lack of time, cooperation from parents and colleagues, as well as practical experience, may present a challenge to new teachers who decide to master the selected areas of classroom management.
References
Cini, S. (2017). Seven key elements for effective classroom management. Synonym. Web.
Sieberer-Nagler, K. (2016). Effective classroom management and positive teaching. English Language Teaching, 9(1), 163-172.