SUCCESSFUL CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

CRISANTA G. CARREON

Successful classroom management depends on executing a number of strategies, big or small. These strategies would make for improved order in a classroom, but it would take a lot of work and patience.

Sometimes, telling students to stop talking and turn to page 34 of a particular book does not really work. What teachers need to do it make a series of requests by asking students to do something most are already doing, then waiting for compliance. Then, they can issue another directive, etc. So instead of making them turn to a page of a book, you can request them first to instead point their eyes toward you, and then wait for compliance.

In keeping with your rules and regulations in class, use the smallest consequence possible when someone breaks a rule. Using a big consequence too early too fast may lead to a bigger consequence, pardon the pun.

Being creative in class will also help, to avoid students being unruly and bored. Sometimes, questions that don’t have anything to do with your subject – but something that would interest them, like their favorite animations – would pique their interest enough for them to quiet down. Once their interest has been piqued, you can continue with the lesson. After this, show your students that it pays to behave by rewarding them with something.

When someone makes a mistake, never punish an entire class. There are students who followed directions, and it would be unfair to include them in a sanction. Punishing the class as a whole would just incite resistance. But make sure that you tell them when something is wrong.

When it comes to school work, give them a choice to do it as an assignment in class or as a take-home quiz, or whether it be a project by group or independent work.

Lastly, make sure parents see you as an ally. You may give them a call or send an email or text to let them know how their kids are doing in class.

— oOo— The author is Teacher III at Babo Pangulo Elementary School, Porac, Pampanga.