According to Evertson and Harris (as cited in Allen, 2010), “the meaning of the term classroom management has changed from describing discipline practices and behavioral interventions to serving as a more holistic descriptor of teachers’ actions in orchestrating supportive learning environments and building community.’
Effective classroom management produces a climate where students are able to succeed. When teachers spend time organizing and structuring their classrooms, they provide students with the knowledge of what to do (Wong, 2009, p. 3-4). Mutual respect is also necessary for students to obey (Guercio, 2011, p. 42).
Rimm-Kaufmann, La Paro, Down- er, and Pianta (as cited in Ratcliff, et. al., 2010) found that high classroom quality was most consistently related to a low number of management problems. Effective teachers structure their class to minimize these disruptions.
“The more discipline problems a teacher faces, the less effective the instruction becomes (Guercio, 2011, p. 39).’ It is only when students are taught what to do that misbehaviors will decrease and learning can begin. Misbehaviors halt instruction, forcing the teacher to move away from the task at hand and focus on the misbehavior.
Further, Abidin & Kmetz (as cited in Ratcliff et al, 2010) noted that management problems affected the quality of interactions in the classroom. Teachers were less apt to have positive interactions with behaviorally challenging students as misbehaviors and stress levels increased. Effective classroom management was also demonstrated to be a prevention for bullying (Allen, 2010).
Effective classroom management is key in supporting the classroom learning environment and providing an atmosphere of success for all students.
Works Cited
Allen, K. P. (2010). Classroom Management, Bullying, and Teacher Practices. Professional Educator, 34(1), 1-15. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Guercio, R. (2011). Back to the basics of classroom management. Education Digest, 76(5), 39-43. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Ratcliff, N. J., Jones, C. R., Costner, R. H., Savage-Davis, E., & Hunt, G. H. (2010). The elephant in the classroom: The impact of misbehavior on classroom climate. Education, 131(2), 306-314. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Wong, H. K., and Wong, R. T. (2009). The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher. Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.