Classroom management
Classroom management has proven indispensable, impacting greatly on the teaching and learning efficiency. Four important areas of classroom management, as also presented in the Vinschool’s Classroom Observation Rubrics, are:
- Learning environment
- Classroom procedures
- Building rapport
- Student behavior management
Creating a positive learning environment
Learning a language requires social risk taking as we ask learners to work on activities that challenge them and to communicate with others in English while their interlanguage is still transforming. We need to create classroom environments that are conducive to learning. It should be an environment which is viewed by students as comfortable, supportive, engaged, motivated, safe and secure.
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Establishing classroom routines and procedures
"Routines are the backbone of daily classroom life. They facilitate teaching and learning…. Routines don’t just make your life easier, they save valuable classroom time. And what’s most important, efficient routines make it easier for students to learn and achieve more." (Learning to Teach…not just for beginners by Linda Shalaway)
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Building rapport
An outstanding manifestation of rapport establishing and maintaining, as defined in Vinschool’s Classroom Observation Rubrics, is observed when “the classroom atmosphere is consistently friendly and respectful, reflecting genuine warmth, caring and sensitivity to students' health, interests, perspectives, etc. as individuals. Creativity and a variety of approaches are used effectively to promote collaboration, interaction, and positive relationships. The good rapport creates an atmosphere in which individuals and the whole class take intellectual risks in exploring knowledge.” If you want to explore useful tips to build good rapport with your students, read the following resources for brilliant ideas.
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Managing student behavior Successful student behaviour management is defined in the Vinschool’s Classroom Observation Rubrics as:
The Teenage Brain - An introduction The Teenage Brain - The Latest Research 1 The Teenage Brain - The Latest Research 2
c) Collaborating to maintain students’ disciplines The graph below shows key principles in maintaining students’ discipline, in which collaboration is the key.
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References:
Catt, S., Miller, D. and Schallenkamp, K. (2007). "You are the key: Communicate for learning effectiveness". Education, 127: 369-377.
Harmer, J. (2007). The Practice of English Language Teaching. Pearson Longman.
Marshall, J. K., & Mirenda, P. (2002). Parent–professional collaboration for positive behavior support in the home. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 17, 216-228. doi:10.1177/10883576020170040401
Shalaway, L. & Beech, L. (1999). Learning to Teach...not just for beginners (revised, updated edition). Scholastic Teaching Resources.