How to manage a classroom effectively?

After finishing the TESOL program for children, I have learned some useful methods for teaching. And among them, I was deeply attracted by the chapter of classroom management. It will help you think about the classroom, your students, and your colleagues from new perspectives so you can adapt to a new teaching environment.

Classroom management refers to teacher behaviors that facilitate learning. A well-managed classroom increases learning because students are more concentrated and spend more time on tasks. First of all, to manage a classroom effectively, we need to know what does a well-managed classroom look like? I think in a well-managed classroom, students are deeply involved with their work, the climate of the classroom is work-oriented, but relaxed and pleasant. Actually, I used to think that classroom management is useless, and what we should think highly of is the process of teaching. But after learning the curriculum, I understand that classroom management will not make your students hate you. On the contrary, students will respect you more and be more enthusiastic about learning when they see you are serious about education.

To manage a classroom effectively, we need some strategies. Firstly, create an effective learning environment. I believe in a famous saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is particularly true of a teacher’s actions during the first week of school. Thus, we need to set the climate and establish the classroom rules at the very beginning, and then you will find you can manage the unexpected events more smoothly when it comes along. Secondly, create a motivational environment. For instance, we can develop lessons at a level that challenges students but is not too difficult or confusing. In this way, we can motivate the students and they can be more involved in the classroom. Thirdly, and most importantly, get everyone engaged. It is not easy to get everyone engaged. Especially for those young children who are unable to keep concentration over twenty minutes. We can use the echo technique: one student gives an answer and you call on another student to repeat it. “John, tell us what Sara said.” “Mia, repeat Michael’s answer for us.” This process reinfores correct answers, involves more students, improve listening skills and get everyone engaged.

I think I can use the strategies above to manage my classroom in the future. Indeed, it is the teacher’s responsibility to provide the instructional program and classroom environment that allow each child to develop his or her capacities to the fullest.