Teaching Portfolio
Alice Marlow
Philosophy of Classroom Management
Classroom management is a key aspect within a classroom setting. Without it, a cohesive and safe learning environment is unachievable for teachers or students, of any age. In order to provide this type of environment some expectations must be met. For instance, students learn best if expectations of their roles and responsibilities are clear from the beginning of the year. Along with that, these expectations should be consistently and constantly reinforced throughout the school year. In order to effectively communicate these expectations and goals, a teacher must build relationships with their students that are built around mutual respect, allowing for leadership growth and development within the classroom. It is also important to explain the concept that making a mistake, or messing up is perfectly fine; that the point of a classroom is to learn.
The first step to making a comfortable and stable classroom is to clearly articulate the expectations and start the year off by creating a system of routines and reinforcing this throughout the year so that both students and teachers know what they are responsible for and the steps to take in order to successfully accomplish these goals. As an example, starting each class with “bell work” or an activity each day in order to get the students in their seats and ready to focus and work once the bell has rang. Having these activities each class period allows for teachers to accomplish their responsibilities (such as taking role, helping students whom have been absent, etc.), while still engaging the students with material similar to what the main lesson will be concerned with.
The quicker and more consistently these routines and procedures are implemented within the classroom, the easier it will be when dealing with management and discipline issues within the classroom. Disruptions occur in even the best classrooms, however, it is essential to deal with them in a consistent manner, with reasonable and relevant punishments if necessary. In this sense, the teacher must approach behavioral issues proactively, rather than reactively in order to retain the aspect of mutual respect that has developed between students and teacher. All of these aspects play a large part in creating a learning environment that is healthy and stable for the various creative processes that will develop there.