How Classroom Management can be Effectively

Used in the Classroom

Maddie Chauvin

Teaching as a Profession

2nd Period
 There are many different factors that affect how students learn. One of the most

prominent is the classroom environment. How the room is maintained and organized can

facilitate learning and motivate students. By implementing classroom management and a positive

atmosphere, students will get more out of their education.

Classroom management is defined as the way “teachers and schools create and maintain

appropriate behavior of students,” (Kratochwill, DeRoos, Blair 2015). The purpose of classroom

management is to increase positive social behavior and improve academic achievement. This is

an important component at every level of education. By having effective management methods,

it minimizes distractions from bad behavior. It also allows students to learn from rules and

consequences, which enables social and emotional growth. Teachers benefit too because it

reduces stress and burnout.

There are multiple methods that can be used to enforce classroom management. One of

the most popular is to create classroom rules. Rules are what is expected of the students and they

can be anything from “Keep your hands and feet to yourself,” or “Complete and hand in all

homework and class work on time,” (Edwards, 2016). Expectations should always be made clear

so all students know what the class policies are. Also, when making procedures it is best to

decide on them “through discussion and mutual consent by teacher and students” (Marzano,

Marzano 2003). Along with that, cultural, social, economic and emotional factors of the class

should be taken into consideration. Displaying the teacher’s expectations on charts or in a

syllabus reminds students what the expectations are and continues to reinforce them.

When the rules are broken, there should always be a consequence. Consequences are

important because they discourage inappropriate behavior. Repercussions are most effective

when they are clear, direct, arranged in levels of intensity and logical to the classroom
environment (IRIS Center 2021). This way, students know exactly what will happen if they were

to misbehave. Consequences should correlate with the rule broken, meaning they should match

in severity of the misdemeanors. For minor problems, appropriate consequences would be a

verbal warning or a private conversation (IRIS Center 2021). For bigger incidences, contacting

parents or office referral would be appropriate (IRIS Center 2021). Another method is to use

strikes or amount of warnings. For example, if a student were to text in class they would get a

warning. If that student were to text in class again they may get a more severe consequence. By

using steps or different punishments, students may correct their behavior and learn from their

mistakes. But, sometimes overusing negative consequences can cause students to fear the teacher

and create a bad student teacher relationship.

On the other hand, positive consequences can be used to reinforce good behavior. Using

rewards can increase engagement, motivate students and make a positive environment. Rewards

can be spoken, like complimenting a student for a good test score. They can also be tangible, like

getting a prize out of a classroom treasure box for being on good behavior all day. Using positive

reinforcement is typically more successful in teaching students good behavior than using

negative reinforcement. Sometimes when using rewards, it can turn into bribing. Rewards should

be given right after good behavior, rather than being used to “coax a student into engaging in a

specific behavior,” (Williams 2021). When using positive and negative consequences together,

classroom management becomes very effective and maintains a positive learning environment.

Another important part of classroom management is routine and time management.

Utilizing classroom routines can help the class run more smoothly so students do not have to

focus on the procedures. It also allows students to feel more confident and secure in the

classroom. Routines can include starting class on time, having a specific time for bathroom
breaks, or transitioning between teaching and work sessions at the same time every day (Tingley

2022). When students know when an action is expected, it minimizes the amount of disruptions

during class.

Along with routine, transitions are an important part of teaching. They are the time spent

between activities during class.When properly moving through transitions, class is more efficient

and helps maximize teaching time. There are three major transitions during class time: entering

class, switching between activities and exiting class (Finley 2017). A great way to transition

quickly is to give students a time limit. For example the students have one minute to choose a

partner for the next activity or they have five minutes to get to class. Also, explaining the next

activity thoroughly decreases the amount of time spent in the transition period. Using good

transition skills can save up to fifteen minutes per class, which provides more instructional time

(Finely 2017).

Maximizing the school day is important for all grade levels. When successful teaching

tools like classroom management and routine are used, students are getting the most out of

education. This allows for academics and social development to improve as a whole.
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