Effective Classroom Management

By S. Herlihy, eHow Contributor

An ideal classroom is a place of true learning. In an effectively managed classroom each student is able to learn at his or her own pace with minimal disruption. Students should concentrate on the task at hand and learn new material as well as interact with other children without fear of interruption, bullying or belittlement. There are many techniques you can employ to help facilitate this process.

1.  At the Beginning

o    The very best place to start effective classroom management is at the beginning of the school year during the first week of class. Hand out materials with an outline of expected rules. All rules should be in writing and every student should have a copy. Go over the rules with the students in advance. Make sure they understand your expectation about behavior, homework, progress, projects, tests, lateness and absences. Put up basic rules on the board where you can reinforce them to students who may only be intermittently paying attention. At the very beginning of the year students do not know you. They may have heard of your reputation from previous students but in all likelihood they will not have met you inside of a classroom. Now is the time to project the right persona. Aim for compassionate while being tough and fair-minded.

Be Consistent

o    Apply all rules consistently. Do not treat students differently. Even if one student consistently disrupts the classroom avoid treating that child differently. Call his parents and speak to school administration officials but do not single the child out. This may provoke more outbursts from him and nasty teasing from other children. Do not play favorites in the classroom. One child should not be allowed to be rude to other students or tardy all the time without consequences.

Compromise Sometimes

o    When necessary compromise if possible. Recognize that students sometimes face problems that are beyond their control. If a student is handing in poor work that puts them in danger of failing talk to them privately and work with them after school. If the student shows improvement later in the year give them a passing grade if you feel they've mastered the material. If the majority of students fail a test throw out the results on the grounds that the test lacks validity.

Rules for Substitutes

o    Substitute teaching is different than regular teacher. A sub faces a harder job in many ways. If you plan on subbing routinely, while searching for a job as a permanent teacher, there are several rules you should follow for effective classroom management. If possible sub in a subject area you know something about. Try not to substitute for the calculus teacher if you barely passed ninth grade math. If you find yourself in such as situation have a student who knows the material teach the class. They will enjoy the honor. Sub in a specific school if you can so students can get to know you and regard you as familiar face rather than a stranger. Adhere to lesson plans the teacher left if possible. Learn student names and faces.

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