There are many different practices that can be used for good classroom management. As with other types of practices, the important thing is to be able to adapt everything to what the whole class likes , taking into account age, ethnic origin, the personality of the class as a group and that of the teacher himself.
Maintaining order in the classroom is one of the most difficult tasks teachers face, especially when experience is not yet available. But the truth is that if it is already difficult, the task has become even more complex in recent decades, especially as the attitudes of young people towards people with certain authority have been relaxing. The lack of respect for authority has made the management of classes and life in schools, in general, more difficult and more demanding than in the past for those in charge of maintaining a positive learning environment , who are none other than the teachers and teachers.
However, many disruptive behaviors in the classroom can be avoided before they turn into serious discipline problems. Unfortunately, these types of behaviors, increasingly everyday, can be solved by using effective organizational practices, a fundamental part of the teaching process and essential to establish and maintain control in the classroom.
Organizational practices to establish effective classroom control
- Start well
The first meeting between the teacher and the students is the most important, since it is when the teacher’s and the students’ impressions are formulated. Students sit quietly, raise their hands to respond, and generally behave well. It is easy to trick the teacher into thinking that this is an ideal class and thus relax their ability to control, but it is likely that students will also begin to relax in a few weeks and that they will begin to have inappropriate or rebellious attitudes to feel that they get away with it. That is why it is during this period that the effective teacher must establish the desired ground rules for behavior in the classroom.
- Learn school policies
Before meeting with the class for the first time, the teacher should familiarize himself with the school’s policies regarding acceptable student behavior and disciplinary procedures. The teacher should know what the school expects of both the student and the teacher with regard to discipline.
- Establish rules and regulations
Establish a set of class rules to guide student behavior at the same time. Discuss the rationale for these rules with the students to make sure they understand and see the need for each rule. Make a short list of rules and keep in mind the urgency of the rules, such as paying attention, respecting others, not making excessive noise, taking care of materials or completing assigned tasks.
- Practice a lot the first lessons
It is not that there is no need to prepare or plan the lessons or strategies for the rest of the year, but that having a good start is always a sign of a good path through the school adventure. In addition, it may be important for the teacher to impress students from the start, which can be achieved by being organized and confident in one’s abilities.
- Learn names
Design a seating and positioning structure with which names can be learned quickly and well. Calling a student by name earlier in the year gives the student a greater sense of well-being and also gives the teacher more control over situations.
- Be firm and consistent
A teacher can be firm and still be supportive and friendly to students . A strong teacher can provide an environment where students feel safe and secure. Many teachers agree that it is easier to start the year strong and determined and relax later than to start off in a relaxed way and then try to become firm when the situation has already gotten out of hand.
