ASSIGNMENT
Based on your readings this week and your own personal experiences (as a student or as a teacher), answer the following questions:
* Examine the components of a good teacher. Explain what they are.
* How does an educator create a classroom in which students are gravitated toward?
READINGS THIS WEEK TO HELP WITH ASSIGNMENT
What does it mean to manage something? When it comes to managing a classroom, there are several elements that must be considered. Here are some examples:
Physical space
Accountability
Behavior
Order
Time management
Safety
Getting all of those things under control takes time and practice. Classroom management specialists and theorists have different views on which are the most important aspects. They also present different methods and best practices to apply those principles. Keep in mind that there is no one size fits all approach to classroom management; each teacher must create a plan that fits him/her.
In addition to managing the classroom, teachers are tasked with creating a learning space where students succeed and thrive, also known as a positive learning environment. Some common elements of a positive learning environment include the following:
Positive/caring student-teacher and student-student relationships
Safety and order
Open communication
Collaboration
Mutual respect
As a teacher, your goal should be to maintain a managed classroom that provides a positive learning environment for all students.
As you approach this weeks reading assignments, take note of what models and best practices speak to you as a teacher. Ask yourself questions. What do I like and dislike? What do I think will work in my own classroom? How can I modify this to fit my needs as a teacher?
1. Cini, S. (2017). Seven Key Elements for Effective Classroom Management. Retrieved from https://classroom.synonym.com/seven-elements-effective-classroom-management-6562940.html
This web site hosts several articles about classroom management and creating a positive classroom environment. You will reference the first article by Cini for your Written Assignment in this Unit.
2. Great Schools Partnership (2014). Classroom management. Retrieved from https://www.edglossary.org/classroom-management/
This resource provides an overview of the elements commonly included under the umbrella term classroom management.
3. Kratochwill,T.R., DeRoos, R., & Blair, S. (n.d.). Classroom management: Teachers modules. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/education/k12/classroom-mgmt.aspx
This resource discusses the importance of classroom management and the concept of three-tiered positive behavior support.
4. International Baccalaureate. (2010). The IB Learner Profile: A singular capacity for invigorating campus life. Retrieved from https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/publications/recognition/learnerprofile-en.pdf
This website provides the characteristics of an IB Learner.
5. Marzano, R.J., Marzano, J.S., & Pickering D.J. (2003) Chapter 1. The critical role of classroom management. Classroom Management that Works. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/103027/chapters/The-Critical-Role-of-Classroom-Management.aspx
The first chapter of the book Classroom Management that Works, this resource provides research and statistic on the effects of classroom management on schools and learning.
6. Marzano, R. J. (2011). Art and science of teaching/classroom management: Whose job is it? Coaching: The New Leadership Skill, 69 (2), 85-86. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct11/vol69/num02/Classroom-Management@-Whose-Job-Is-It%C2%A2.aspx
This article argues that the responsibility of classroom management falls not only on the teacher but also administrators and students.
7. Sieberer-Nagler, K. (2016). Effective classroom-management & positive teaching. English Language Teaching, 9 (1). Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1087130.pdf
This article explains the connection between classroom management and positive learning environments, specifically focusing on methods and best practices.
8. Choe, Y. (n.d.). Becoming a positive teacher. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol4/405-newvoices.aspx
This first-person account of a middle school teacher explains her change from misery to happiness in the classroom.
9. Wolk, S. (2008). Joy in school. The Positive Classroom, 66 (1), 8-15. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept08/vol66/num01/Joy-in-School.aspx
This resource provides examples of how teachers can improve student (and teacher) happiness in school, and how that can positively affect the school.
10. Young, J. (2014). The importance of a positive classroom. Encouragement in the Classroom: How Do I Help Students Stay Positive and Focused. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/sf114049/chapters/The-Importance-of-a-Positive-Classroom.aspx
This resource gives a brief introduction to positive classrooms and what teachers should focus on in order to achieve them.
Optional Videos
1. Ernst, A. & Wegdam, M. (Producers). (2011). The community college classroom. Retrieved from https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/new-teacher-classroom-management
This video shows classroom interaction between a new teacher and her grade 6 social studies class before and after meeting with a classroom management specialist.
