Classroom Management
Reviewed and Updated: February 2007
This page has been kept for reference.
It will no longer be updated by ICVET.
At some point in time we all need to deal with some sort of classroom management problem. We need to appreciate that learners all have individual needs and backgrounds. The problems we encounter may appear in the form of dealing with the perpetually late student or the chatterbox. You could, however, be faced with a more complex issue involving cultural tensions among the students or a student with an emotional/behavioural disorder. It could be … well … anything!
Before you explore the following links, think about the following three level strategies for managing your learning environment.
- At the Constructive level we adopt a positive discipline approach. This means putting in place strategies that will construct a learning environment where unwelcome behaviour is unlikely to arise. These strategies include session planning to keep students actively involved in the learning, pre-planning the seating arrangements and negotiating class agreements with all learners.
- Preventative strategies need to be put into place when it's clear that an unwelcome behaviour will soon emerge. This might include re-arranging seating, pairing students in different combinations, revisiting the class agreement and debriefing any incidents that may have occurred.
- Remedial strategies are implemented when an incident is in progress and immediately afterwards. If constructive and preventative strategies have been effective, you may never have to consider remedial strategies. However, almost all teachers can expect to deal with an 'incident' sooner or later.
Remedial strategies might begin with using basic conflict resolution skills and, as a last resort, end with disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion of the offender. It is very rare to reach a stage where this course of action is required. Generally, most problems can be effectively dealt with within the classroom context.
If you have or anticipate having problems in your classroom, it's important to discuss the situation with your colleagues. The support and guidance of your manager is important when planning your classroom management strategies.
Websites
Boys, Literacy and Schooling: Expanding the repertoires of practice
A report from the Australian Government Department of Education, Science
and Training. This can help in understanding why boys tend to under perform
in areas of literacy and what teaching practices are successful in addressing
this issue.
Brains.org: Classroom Management
This is worthwhile reading for theoretical information that outlines different ways teachers approach the issue of classroom management.
Fight Hate and Promote Tolerance
This US site is concerned with reducing racism and hate through understanding our own attitudes and providing anti-bias education in the classroom. It contains useful sub sections on teaching tolerance, a series of tests to uncover hidden bias and a section containing information about the societal effects of prejudice and bias.
Australian Government: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
The Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations page provides a wide range of links to sites discussing issues that affect the education of adolescent males.
The Teacher’s Guide: Classroom Management
A range of articles and internet sites included that offer support information and advice on classroom management. You can also access information on publications and resources eg educational clipart.
Establishing a Positive Classroom Climate
Contains basic information that’s important to keep in mind at all times in order to ensure a positive approach and environment in our classrooms.
Publications
NELSON, Jane, with Owen-Sohocki, Debbie and Escobar, Linda 1996, Positive Discipline: A Teacher's A-Z Guide, Crown Publishing Group, US.
This book has a focus on fundamental tools of positive discipline methods. They feature in alphabetical format. It is a resource for assisting with, approaching, discussing, and solving common classroom problems. There are also a range of useful suggestions offered for establishing and maintaining a respectful, nurturing learning environment.
GRIFFITHS, Greg 2002, Managing Boys’ Behaviour in your Classroom, Hawker Brownlow Education, Victoria.
This book is a return to basics with a range of practical ideas on managing classroom behaviour using positive techniques.
Each section of the book begins with an explanation of specific factors to consider, then suggests some strategies. A pro forma is provided to help the teacher decide how they want to deal with the issues raised.