My Philosophy Of Classroom Management

I believe that when students are in a safe environment, learning can take place. This doesn’t necessarily mean punishing behavioral problems but rather a combination of setting the tone in a class. That is, preventing behavior problems with interesting and engaging curriculum and effectively including all students in the classroom so that their needs are met. Having the right environment for all students to learn is a major goal of implementing good classroom management. Without it the students will not be able to learn.

The desk arrangement in the classroom will be flexible. Desks will be arranged into various formats to align with the intended learning objectives of a lesson. Desks may be placed in groups to promote collaboration and cooperation. They may be organized in a peanut formation to promote student-student and student-teacher discussion.

I have heard that for many beginning teachers, classroom management can be one of the most challenging aspects of their new career.  Knowing this, I decided to experiment with many classroom management approaches during my student teaching to find one that fit both my students and myself.  Based on these experiences, I designed a classroom management plan that I will implement in my classroom as a beginning teacher.  It is important to note, however, that my classroom management philosophy will be evolving as necessary as I gain more experience and insight into the field of teaching.  Also, my classroom management plan may need to be altered to fit my specific group of students.

My philosophy of classroom management is that the management of elementary classrooms require several things.  Among patience, determination and motivation are: flexibility, careful planning and consistency.  A well-managed classroom did not get well-managed without a teacher who planned, had a flexible vision and was determined.  Any new teacher, who is asked, will say they want a classroom with as few behavioral problems as possible as well as one that is easily manageable.  But any experienced teacher, who is asked, will tell those new teachers that classrooms do not come "well managed".  They have to be made into well-managed classrooms.  These experienced teachers would also encourage by saying

My classroom management philosophy is rooted in B.F. Skinner’s Behavior Modification theory. I believe that negative and positive reinforcements are a key aspect in classroom management. Providing reinforcement increases the probability that a desired behavior will occur, while undesired behaviors will stop because they are not being reinforced (Manning and Bucher 47). Students who are demonstrating unacceptable behaviors may even begin to change their behavior in hopes of gaining approval through reinforcement (Manning and Bucher 47). In particular, I advocate for this theory because it also serves as another way to continuously reiterate classroom expectations. Through daily dialogue in the classroom, students will be able to understand which behaviors are supported, acceptable, and encouraged and which behaviors are ignored, unacceptable, and discouraged. Continuously putting this into practice will foster a supportive classroom climate with clear expectations. Throughout my field experiences in Horry County, I have seen this strategy used with success. I believe that once I have established relationships with my students this will be the most effective course of action for modifying their misbehaviors.

In Kohn’s book, Beyond Discipline: From Compliance to Community, the first chapter focuses on the different classroom management theories regarding students in the classroom. The chapter discusses how many of these theories are incorrect, and how educators need to look at them under a fine tooth come before implementing them in their own classrooms. Kohn finishes the chapter by discussing what teachers should think about regarding their students when implementing classroom management procedures.

Through this experience, I learned that is vitally important that children in school have a creative, stimulating classroom environment. Such an environment will stimulate their minds and make them much better learners and thinkers. The classroom environment should include lots of books, visual materials and different activities in order to help them learn the material as best as possible. All these requirement should be aimed at attracting and keeping the child’s interest and promoting questioning and discussion. Expecting children, particularly young ones, to sit at a desk all day and learn is not the way to go. Children, particularly young ones, need to move around and do different activities in order to keep them engaged. Having an environment where they are being taught in ways that are fun and reel them in, will stimulate the students to do well and strive to do better.

My personal belief is that teaching is not just the profession of spitting out information to students that they in turn regurgitate to me. I think that teaching is a process of life learning for these students. I believe there are four extremely important factors that distinguish a well-disciplined class from others. They include the following factors: classroom environment, expectations and procedures, student-teacher relationships, and active learning.

The classroom should be set up in a manner which is age and grade appropriate for the level of the

My philosophy of classroom management is to allow students to be responsible for their own behavior at all times. I believe allowing students to be responsible for their behavior and actions allow them to have a sense of freedom. When students have freedom, they seem to be more successful and respectful. Classroom management is more successful when the class is student-centered. Students should be included in the planning of classroom rules, room arrangement, and communication should flow smoothly between teacher and student. Although the class is student-centered the teacher should be in control of the classroom. The teacher should know what is going on at all times, plan interesting and informative lessons, and be

Discipline in a classroom should be immediate, fair, and consistent. It is important to have a discipline plan in place with outlined consequences to achieve this. Even a well-managed classroom will have disruptions. Most children will stray from good choices at least once. I believe it is vital to stop any violations immediately, remind students of the rule or procedure, and begin again. Discipline plans should include positive aspects. Presenting consequences as a choice places accountability back on the student. Teachers have many hats in the classroom and not only serve as educators, but supporters as well. Managing behavior is not only conducive to the class environment, but also in fostering good character and citizenship in each

When I started teaching 17 years ago, I thought students would do what I asked them to do, because I asked. I have learned throughout the years that this is not always true, and that it is very important to have a classroom management plan ready every year before school starts. As a teacher, it is my job to provide a safe environment where my students feel welcome, and can receive the quality education they deserve. I believe that I should be assertive with discipline and teaching, have an organized, well-managed classroom, and teach students important social skills and how to behave appropriately in different situations they may encounter throughout their lives.

important for the successful classroom. I am a laid back person who enjoys humor, and while I

Teachers organize the physical environment. The way the desks, tables, and other classroom materials are arranged affects instruction and has an influence on order in the classroom. The decision of a teacher in organizing and arranging the classroom materials, supplies, designated place for activities and bulletin board will determine the effectiveness of the learning environment.

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