Personal Belief Statements about Classroom Management
Classroom management is a widely researched subject. If I were to pick which elements of classroom management I would emphasize in my classroom, I would choose consistency, engaging material, and support. Each of these ties into my overall goal of making my classroom a safe environment for my students.
In order to have a well-managed classroom it is important that the teacher is consistent from the first week of school. Wong (2009) reports that, “students want a well-managed classroom more than the teachers do because it provides them with security in the classroom that is consistent” (p. 82). When it comes to successful education, there is no need for surprises or guesswork. One element that will help eliminate inconsistency in the learning environment is the use of procedures and routines. When students come to class and immediately know what to do, it makes it easier to be a successful student. In choir, students have the opportunity to be creative. This requires a comfortable, consistent environment in which the students feel confident.
The discipline problems in Alfie Kohn’s (1996) classroom “were not a function of children who were insufficiently controlled but of a curriculum that was insufficiently engaging” (para. 9). Therefore, it is the teacher’s job to keep the students engaged in class so they lack the time and need to misbehave. I have seen this clearly demonstrated by highly prepared teachers who have well planned, engaging lessons.
One way to foster a safe, well-managed classroom is to build a strong support system between the students. Tom Carter’s (2010) Support System is based on the idea that people learn best and have the most fun learning when they feel safe (Carter, 2010, para. 10). This is especially true in choir, when students must be comfortable enough to share their voices with one another.
In order to have a well-managed classroom it is important that the teacher is consistent from the first week of school. Wong (2009) reports that, “students want a well-managed classroom more than the teachers do because it provides them with security in the classroom that is consistent” (p. 82). When it comes to successful education, there is no need for surprises or guesswork. One element that will help eliminate inconsistency in the learning environment is the use of procedures and routines. When students come to class and immediately know what to do, it makes it easier to be a successful student. In choir, students have the opportunity to be creative. This requires a comfortable, consistent environment in which the students feel confident.
The discipline problems in Alfie Kohn’s (1996) classroom “were not a function of children who were insufficiently controlled but of a curriculum that was insufficiently engaging” (para. 9). Therefore, it is the teacher’s job to keep the students engaged in class so they lack the time and need to misbehave. I have seen this clearly demonstrated by highly prepared teachers who have well planned, engaging lessons.
One way to foster a safe, well-managed classroom is to build a strong support system between the students. Tom Carter’s (2010) Support System is based on the idea that people learn best and have the most fun learning when they feel safe (Carter, 2010, para. 10). This is especially true in choir, when students must be comfortable enough to share their voices with one another.