Many new teachers feel overwhelmed when it comes to classroom management. They leave school at the end of the day wondering if they are chosen the wrong profession. However, effective teaching isn’t just teaching. It includes the ability to discipline students as well.
Teachers who understand this reality apply the most effective fundamentals to get the results they desire. Consider the following traps
Compromising with troublemakers
Don’t compromise with students who constantly make trouble. One sure way to lose respect and be taken for granted is to let students off the hook for causing trouble. Many times we give them the opportunity to win back the recess we took from them or withdraw our commitment to call parents if the student gives us a couple of hours of good behavior.
Compromising with troublemakers is a trap. Students who are known for constant disruption will not stop their negative behavior as long as they know that they can get out of trouble by displaying a few hours of insincere regret.
Also, disruptive students who are constantly let off the hook will begin to disrespect your authority as an effective classroom manager. Others in the classroom will follow their lead. So don’t fall in to this trap. Don’t withdraw your decision to execute the logical consequence which was expected.
Teachers who refuse to compromise with trouble makers will often receive more respect, not only from the students they discipline but also from the entire classroom.
Inequality in Logical Consequences
One thing that will cause more classroom management problems than usual is to display an inequality in applying logical consequences. All students should receive the same consequences for the same behavior.
Teachers who show favoritism to discipline students will lose trust and credibility as an effective classroom manager. For example, if Johnny pushes someone in line and Mary pushes someone in line, then both should receive the same punishment. However, if you give Mary a lesser consequence because of her good behavior and because she seldom gets into trouble, then you are mostly likely demonstrating to the classroom a degree of unfairness.
Never play favorites, simply because isn’t good for developing good classroom culture. Students expect teachers to be fair in applying logical consequences. Otherwise, the student will begin to feel a sense of insecurity. Showing favoritism is the worst thing you can do as an educator.
A Constant Yelling Display
As a teacher, participating in an all-day yelling display is a big trap. Such negative vocal activity drains your energy as a teacher and takes away your ability to effectively teach a classroom. When you constantly yell at students, you lose focus on many levels. Then you must force yourself to get back on track, a tiresome feat which wasted time.
Moreover, when you find yourself constantly attempting to get students back on track, you are most likely refusing to apply logical consequences to toxic classroom behaviors. The goal of classroom management creates an environment where meaningful learning can occur. Logical consequences are designed to assist in creating such an environment.
Don’t allow students to drag you into an argument. Demand respect on the highest level. Send trouble makers to the reflection room again and again. And don’t hesitate to call parents on a constant basis. Your duty is to teach students who come to school for an education.
Great Classroom Management Takes Time
If you are a new teacher, don’t give up. The children need you. Becoming an effective classroom manager will take time. However, in the end, the sacrifice will pay off. Somewhere down the line you will see yourself becoming more skillful in taking control and giving students one of the most important gifts of their lives: An Education
