Classroom Philosophies for Preparing for the Real World

For successful learning and teaching to occur in classrooms, effective management is imperative. Lyons et al (2014) describe five key classroom management theories that have had a great influence in Australian schools. The three models of classroom management which will be analysed here are Choice Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Theory and Applied Behaviour Analysis. Teachers must develop a strong understanding of the underlying principles of each theory. Comprehension of these core pedagogical ideas will facilitate the success of classroom management plans.

The use of the 10 micro-skills for classroom management “reduced the serious disruptive behaviour from occurring” (Goldman, 2003). The minimisation of misbehaviour increased student participation (standards 4.1 and 4.3). Having an awareness of the students’ zone of proximal development assisted in organising classroom activities specific to the needs of the learners. This supported inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities (standard 4.1). The use of a PowerPoint presentation resulted in effective organisation of classroom activities and providing clear directions (standard 4.2). This positive affected the success of classroom activities. According to Rosenshine (1983), the success of any activity is all in the instructions.

Managing your classroom determines how effective you are as a teacher. In this training, it talks about many different ways you can create structure in the classroom. One of the ways was setting rules. Another was to set individual and whole group goals in classroom and commit to completing each goal. It is very important to have complete control over your classroom it promotes maturity, safety, trust and easy flow.

This independent reading report focuses on Tools For Teachers by Fred Jones. This book is excellent at describing the nuts and bolts of teaching. It is a refreshing balance to the theoretical works of Vygotsky and Piaget, and it is a solid start for people who are focused on the tangible, practical aspects of what to do at 8am on their first day of classes, when the “Zone of Proximal Development” just doesn’t seem helpful enough. Dr. Jones, a psychologist from UCLA, based his methods off of countless hours of observing natural teachers. When he’d interview these naturals and asked them why they were successful, he found they weren’t able to articulate the tangible things they were doing. This book is Dr. Jones’ best shot at this articulation. It’s a practitioner’s manual; backed up by evidence, but not overloaded with jargon. It is the best educational book I have ever read. In this report, I will describe how Dr. Jones defines classroom management, detail the primary tenants of his system, discuss the differences and similarities of Dr. Jones’ system to the research and ideas we’ve learned about in class, and present how the ideas from Tools For Teaching have practical application in my own future classroom.

A classroom is a very dynamic and spontaneous place. Every classroom is comprised of a diverse combination of individuals who all contribute to the unpredictable nature and uniqueness of the class. The reality that no two students are alike and no two classes are ever alike, contributes greatly to the difficulty of establishing a realistic and effective classroom management plan. It is important that teachers realize that a classroom is an unpredictable place and that it is much more reasonable to strive to manage their classroom as opposed to trying to control it. I see my role as a managing teacher as

My classroom philosophy begins with what type of teacher I will be in my classroom. To have successful classroom management, one must be an effective teacher. Some qualities that make an effective teacher include maintaining high expectations, being consistent, and caring. As a teacher, it is important to have high expectations for your students academically, but also behaviorally. In my classroom, I will uphold the traits and characteristics that I want to see in my students, through my own actions and words. Another quality that I will instill in my classroom and myself is consistency. In my classroom, I will be consistent in my classroom management. I will not favor a student and let them get away with something, and I will not be overly harsh on a student who is having a bad day or week. One of the most important qualities in an effective teacher is their ability to care for their students. In order to have successful classroom management, I must build relationships with my students. The more that my students know that I care for them and want to help them,

The skills highlighted by McInerney for teachers to be effective are knowledge, questioning, explaining and demonstrating, monitoring and evaluating student learning, and most importantly communicating with the students, parents, carers and colleagues. Classroom management are things that a teacher does to establish an effective learning environment. An effective teacher would keep a record of how students behave in the class. McInerney states that good teaching minimises misbehaviour and is essential in a student-centred classroom. As teachers provide opportunities for students to develop their problem-solving strategies students figure out that they have a sense of self-direction which relates to their behaviour, motivation and learning. According to O’Donnell et al., classroom management and learning engagement is affected well before a student first enters the classroom. O’Donnell et al., points out that the fundamental task of classroom management is to establish an inclusive, supportive, caring, engaging and challenging community that students often engage in desirable, respectable and constructive behaviour. As observed in the classroom, various skills were used by Miss Amber to create a sense of community and belonging which encouraged students to be more open to

Within the classroom, it’s very important to have classroom management. To successfully run a class doesn’t automatically mean that the children have to sit quietly and not talk or interact with each other. It’s actually the total opposite. To maintain proper classroom management means to have a relaxed and caring environment where the students are getting their work down and interaction is taking place. My classroom management philosophy deals with this thinking and combines three different theorist who uses three different theories. My philosophy is to have a democratic, caring environment where my students have a voice, hold themselves and others accountable for their actions, make responsible choices, and build a sense of community and family. In my current field experience at Ocean Bay Middle School, my cooperating teaching uses a classroom management plan that is similar to my philosophy and the results are positive. My overall goal is to teach, enrich the lives of my students, and produce our future successors of tomorrow.

This action requires students to take the time to collaborate within their groups and learn what they will present. This practice will ensure that students retain what they have learned. All students bring a vast amount of life experiences in the classroom and it is up to the teacher to utilize their resources effectively while ensuring shared collaboration without risk. Using prior knowledge in conjunction with world experiences achieves higher learning more effectively.

Classroom management is a popular topic in education. Teachers are always looking for ways to improve their classroom environment, or new ways to deal with problem behaviors. For every person who has ever worked with children, there is an idea, a theory, as to how to best meet children’s needs. Early theorists provide the basis for many current behavior management ideas, and often include a combination of ideas. Theorists such as Abraham Maslow, Rudolf Dreikurs, William Glasser, and Stanley Coppersmith offer insight into the behavior and motivations of children that help teachers design strategies to prevent disruption and provide a positive learning environment for all students.

Classroom management has been proven to be a major role in the behaviors of students. Like the Wong theorists, I believe establishing classroom procedures is beneficial for the students.

Teachers are expected to create meaningful and engaging instruction aligned with the Common Core State Standards, while also creating a classroom management plan that enhances student achievement. Jones and Jones (2013) quote Woolfolk and Weinstein (2006) in their book, Comprehensive Classroom Management, stating that “What students want are teachers who establish caring relationships, set limits and create a safe environment … and make learning fun” (2013, p. 59). I strive to achieve this in my classroom each day as I greet students at the door, shaking their hand and making small talk with them, establish fair and consistent rules and procedures, and by building positive student-teacher relationships while making learning fun through the use of hands-on-activities, role playing, and creative constructions.

Developing an ideal classroom that is well-managed does not require any special power. It requires a simple skill called thought and heart. One of the key components of becoming a successful and ultimately great teacher is how you manage the classroom. Sports analysts say the most intelligent quarterbacks are the best game managers. Teachers play the quarterback role and Game Day, with the offense and defense out on the field, is the classroom of students.

Classroom management is a key element to establish a successful learning environment in any classroom. An effective classroom management plan creates a positive learning environment. Classroom management is affected by the characteristics of the students and their behavior. Students’ behavior is influenced by their age, academic abilities, goals, interests, and home backgrounds (Evertson, Emmer, and Worsham, 2006). Teachers need a diverse array of classroom management skills to facilitate learning. A classroom with a proper management plan will spend less time in disciplining and more time in learning. Students in effectively managed classrooms know and follow clearly defined rules and routines. A classroom management plan should provide

As I spend more time in the classroom each week, I find myself realizing more and more about my personal feelings on classroom management. When I compare my opinions and feelings on classroom management, I see connections between my beliefs and those represented by all three of the behavioral theorists we have been studying; Lee Canter, Linda Albert, and Alfie Kohn. While each of these theorists have varying opinions on how to manage students, I feel that they all have important points that should be included in a successful classroom management plan.