Classroom Management for Teachers

When I searched the web for the words "classroom management" I was absolutely amazed at all the results I found. Everyone seems to be talking about classroom management. Article after article appeared and each was simply titled "Classroom Management".

It seems that everyone agrees that classroom management is key for the success of students. The first article I read was written by Gene Van Tassell. This article talked about control and where it should lie in the classroom. It is true that many times a teacher is seen as being in control if she never has to send a child to the principal's office. This isn't always the case. It may mean that this certain teacher has a lack of discipline in her classroom. I think that there has to be a balance of who controls certain aspects of the classroom. Yes, boundaries should be set and students should know what correct and incorrect behavior is. That is the teacher's responsibility to put these things into effect. On the other hand, students must be given some control over their learning if they are to become responsible.

In this article he discussed several theories toward classroom management and behavior management. I really liked the idea behind the Ginott Model. It basically states that teachers avoid criticism and try to understand the child's point of view. Teachers should foster students' responsibility for their actions and establish communication with them. This model describes some of the goals I have for my own classroom.
The next article I read really hit home. The main focus of the article was that novice teachers are not strong in classroom and behavioral management. One of the hardest things for me to remember is that I do have several options when it comes to disciplining my class. I want to always remember that fair does not mean we treat everyone the same. Fair means that we make sure everyone has the same opportunities. This may mean different discipline measures for students in special circumstances.
The last three articles that I read were more collections of classroom management tips as well as tips for new teachers. After reading the articles I realized that experienced teachers were never really addressed in any article that I came across. I believe that there is more emphasis on classroom management now than there was twenty years ago. I know that we are walking into teaching with little or no experience and classroom management is going to be a hard task, but I have seen teachers who have been in the field for ten years or more who seem to know less about the subject than I do.
Between Harry Wong's book on classroom management, the articles on the internet, and the teachers I have worked with over time I have collected a list of ideas to use for classroom management. It is up to me as to what I do with these things. I really do believe that with the proper classroom management any class can be a success. I have seen good teachers who were completely defeated by there lack of knowledge in this subject and teachers who constantly made my jaw drop with their innate ability to shine. This last group of teachers has become my role models and I will be lucky if I am ever half the teacher that these people have become.
It seems the main focus of each of these articles was the same. Teachers must have classroom management in order to succeed. Finding the information is not hard. The problem at hand is having the skill and focus to implement these ideas and turn your classroom into a successful learning environment. You could have the best teaching abilities, have all the love and concern for a child's learning, and strive to do everything you can to make sure your class learns, but without classroom management you will be struggling to keep your head above the water. Articles: http://www.brains.org/classroom_management.htm http://people.clarityconnect.com/webpages/terri/classmanagement.html http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3673/is_200504/ai_n13633245 http://www.honorlevel.com/techniques.xml http://www.teachermentors.com/MCenter%20Site/ClMgmtTips.html