SLC | S21W2: Effective Classroom Management

Classroom management is a profound element of effective teaching, encircling the strategies, practices and techniques used to create and maintain a productive, conducive and safe learning environment for learners at all levels. Effective classroom management is built on the understanding that students' academic, social and emotional development are interconnected. A well managed classroom enhances a sense of community and participation supporting diverse learning models and making easy the work for the teachers.

Can there be more to this topic " Effective Classroom Management "? Let's delve into this topic together and find out!

Effective classroom management is simply the comprehensive approach in giving out knowledge (teaching) that involves planning evaluation, implementation and optimisation of resources to provide a, safe, conducive and respectful learning environment. Effective classroom management has a lot to do with planning, implementation, evaluation and resource optimisation, and here's is how these components interconnect.

Planning (Establishing clear foundation)

Effective classroom management begins with careful planning, where teachers:

• Set clear learning objectives and the possible outcomes
• Develop a well engaging lesson plan, note and learning materials
• Establish classroom procedures and routines
• Define expectations of behaviours and consequences.
• Point out obvious challenges and develop strategies to handle them.

Implementation ( Executing the plan)

Implementation involves putting the set out plans into action. This is where teachers,:

• Deliver lessons and activities to the learners as planned.
• Monitor the progress of students and adjust instructions.
• Make enforcement of classroom rules, regulations and expectations.
• Stir up active participation and engagement with other learners and the teacher.
• Manage and minimise disruptions and distractions.

Evaluation (Assessing Effectiveness)

Evaluation is mainly meant for the continuous assessment of classroom managing resources. Here, teachers also:

• Monitor the outcome, progress and understanding of students
• Get feedbacks from the guardians, peers and students
• Identify the areas due for professional development and growth
• Consider other teaching practices and make rightful adjustments

Utilizing Resources (Intensifying Effectiveness)

The optimal utilization of resources make sure teachers:

• Hold or support technology to boost instruction and participation
• Allocate necessary materials and time correctly
• Encourage partnership with the community
• Adapt to the changing of classroom needs and circumstances

The relationship between these components is repetitive.
Planning = Implementation = Evaluation = Resource optimisation = Updated planning.
These components, integrates into effective classroom management to:

1. Enhance student learning and engagement
2. Reduce behavioural distractions
3. Increase the confidence of teachers and job satisfaction
4. Encourage a promising, inclusive and positive classroom culture.
5. Supporting continuous professional development.

First of all, think of building a good classroom environment like a home. You need a good foundational structure, a welcoming space and the complete necessary requirements or tools. You know creating a classroom atmosphere that truly supports the learning process of learners is an art that takes long to accomplish with time, effort and the heart as well.

For me, it all stared with building relationships. I made it a task to learn every students' name, their interest and what made the wants to learn. I always wants to know what they're passionate about, their struggles and their feeling of being noticed. Next, I focus on setting the tone, which I established clear expectations, but not to forget to communicate that mistakes are mostly welcome, meaning we're in this together. This has made them feel safe, encouraged and supported to keep thriving.

For sure, my classroom wasn't perfect (I guess far from being perfect). One thing I made sure of was the creation of space for creativity, movement and collaboration with peers. But here is one thing, it wasn't and won't only be about the physical surrounding. It included crafting an emotional environment that nurtured belonging, affinity and sensitivity. One Strategy I learnt from my mom who is also a teacher is called the "Morning Meetings". Here, we'd start each day with a quick gathering sharing our, gratitude,feelings, goals and fears. This automatically sets the stage for how the day would go.

Lastly, I never miss prioritising self-care for my students and myself. We practiced mindfulness and took breaks when needed. Hopefully it helped and still helps to reduce stress and enhance calmness.

According to my experience, there are several factors that can hinder the effectiveness of classroom management. These factors are classified by myself into teacher-related, student-related and environmental and factors.

Teacher-related factors

• Lack of clear rules and expectations: this uncertainty can lead to confusion and misbehaviour.
• Poor communication skills: Communication skills is important in almost all aspects of live and it inadequacy will lead to misunderstanding.
• Lack of lessons preparation (lesson plans/notes): This can result to wastage of time because of disorganization.
• Inconsistency in discipline: Discipline is important and being inconsistent will birth bad behaviours and exploitation.

Student-related factors.

• Diverse learning needs and abilities
• Emotional issues and challenges
• Lack of motivation and engagement
• Bullying and social conflict

Environmental factors

• Inadequate resources and overcrowding
• Poor classroom structure and design.
• Noise and distractions from neighbouring facilities.
• Lack of infrastructure and technology for learning.

These laid factors are hindrance to effective classroom management because they:

1. Invites uncertainty and confusion
2. Compromise the credibility of teachers
3. Distractions from stated learning objectives
4. Created limits to both teachers and students creativity and flexibility.
5. Disrupts beneficial relationships.

Effective classroom management and the learning contract are closely interconnected. A learning contract is a mutual agreement between the teacher, student/learners and sometimes the guardians, stating key expectations, goals and responsibilities for the learning process.

Relationship between effective classroom management and the learning contract:

1. Goal setting: Learning contracts, help students to set achievable goals during the learning process, essential for an effective classroom management.
2. Accountability: Contracts hold students accountable for their actions and progress, instilling self discipline.
3. Teacher-student relationship: Building a good and responsible relationship, communication can be facilitated by learning contracts.
4. Clear expectations: Learning contracts establishes clear expectations for communication, behaviour and academic performance in alignment with the principles of effective classroom management.
5. Student engagement: student are meant to be actively engaged in the learning process by gaining knowledge or contributing to the journey.
6. Continuous improvement: Constant review of learning contract reviews, encourages feedback, growth, development and reflection.

NB: All photos in this publication are all mine and were taken with my smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S8)

Thanks for reading

I invite @basil20, @okere-blessing and @jasminemary to participate.

Cc,
@fantvwiki.