Teach English in Duolunnuoer Zhen - Xilinguole Meng — Xilin Gol

Why exactly is classroom management so important? What effective strategies can be put in place and what could happen if there is no management at all? Classroom management creates a set of expectations used in an organised classroom environment. The reason why classroom management systems are so effective is due to it increasing student success by creating an orderly learning environment that heightens students’ social and emotional development, as well as their academic skills and competencies. Managing the learning environment is both a major responsibility and an on-going concern for all teachers, even those with years of experience (Good & Brophy, 2002). Without classroom management students can not work effectively, there will be no progress in learning and stress will increase for the teacher leading to burnouts. Even if the task given is simple, it is easy for things to get out of hand. For example, students are working on a simple sheet of English grammar questions. Some students may be stuck on points, others have completed the first one to two questions and have begun talking amongst themselves instead of continuing while the rest have finished and are wondering what to do next! At all times each student could need something different whether it be information, hints, encouragement or tasks. Another importance of management is the students perceptions of you and you’re teaching compared to that of your own. A shy student my view your encouragement as forced participation which is something I personally experienced while at school many years ago. A shy timid girl who wanted nothing but to be left alone and not have the spotlight on her was being pushed by the teacher to constantly participate. Embarrassment, shame and slight annoyance were the emotions felt even though from the teachers viewpoint it was simply meant to be encouragement. An effective way to help with management is simply classroom layout. Organising classroom furniture and materials is a great way to begin and help minimise potential behaviour problems. Establishing rules and procedures you expect from your students before the year begins is another great way too. Expanding on classroom layout, something as simple as the classroom walls can have a big impact on the overall mood you set for the class. For example for YL class, pictures of farm animals, colours, people will help to aid their learning and give positive friendly atmosphere. Putting up too much however can become a distraction, so it is important to not go overboard. Routines are an effective way of managing a class by providing specific ways of doing everyday activities. For example, having a certain rhythmic clapping pattern ‘ tap, tap, taptaptap’ that the teacher does and then expecting the students to stop what they are doing and mimic it back. This can help gain students attention once activities have finished or if students become too rowdy. It is a common strategy that I have done many times in primary school and is highly effective! Being efficient in your time management to create these kinds of routines to save time in the long run. Students will eventually automatically know that when the class is finished, they must take out their diaries to write in their homework and pack up their things for example. One of the most important points is consistency. If the teacher displays strong classroom management skills and behaviour expectations then the students know what to expect everyday. If you are strict on rules and behaviour one day but carefree and relaxed another, students won’t know what to expect and it can lead to misbehaviour and disorganisation. Praising students when they have done well and worked hard will help improve behavioural and academic performance as it can inspire, encourage and reinforce students self-esteem. These are just a few example of how to manage a classroom effectively as it gives the students little time to misbehave. The students know what they need to do, as the expectations have been clearly explained. Transitions in particular are easier to control when a teacher has strong classroom management skills. Without it students are left confused and unmotivated, there is lack of behaviour and learning, not to mention there is no respect for you as a teacher and the instructions you are trying to give. Classroom management paves a way for the teacher to engage the students in learning while creating a positive and effective learning environment.