Teaching is truly one of the most important of all professions. Educational mentors have the opportunity to bestow knowledge and open young minds. Education and knowledge empower people to improve their surroundings, and quite literally to change the world. Frankly, all teachers have the intrinsic goal to make our earth a better place to live. TESOL teachers are in the fortuitous position to have a profound influence on humanity. English is the most important language in the world since it creates a common tongue for business, technology, research and diplomacy.

Since most TESOLinstructors will be plying their talents in developing nations, they may be granted the opportunity to share the language of English with less developed people who may then understand technologies that provide improved medical care, clean drinking water, more effective use of tillable lands, better housing, more efficient energy use, and improved international relations. It is conceivable that a TESOL instructor might have in their class a future doctor, engineer, or leader of a country.

Even though teaching may be fulfilling, it does require much dedication, preparation, and concentration. It may be frustrating to teach students who are not committed to learn. This is why classroom management is so important. A well run class with a caring teacher, interesting lesson plans, engaged students and few disciplinary problems will go a long way toward improving the students academically and creating a satisfying career for the teacher.

Classroom management is implementing a strategy, which addresses the overall responsibility in promoting student development. The teacher plays the central role in establishing a proper course to follow but the strategy must also involve the school and other faculty, the students, and their parents. A teacher first needs to know what the school expects, and school guidelines for teacher behavior. The teacher will have to know the physical layout of the school, where to find the principal’s office, the school nurse, the school counselor, the library, the cafeteria and restrooms. The teacher will also have to know where to locate the copy machine, overhead projector, television, cassette player and other instructional aids. Then the teacher needs to know what type of students will be in the class, for example, are the students new to each other or have they have prior classes together, and their approximate level of understanding.

Successful classroom management begins with a well-prepared teacher who demonstrates self-control, and applies a consistent fair set of classroom rules. Since students cannot behave properly and misbehave at the same time, it is far easier to foster acceptable student behaviors than to correct misbehavior.

Before the first day of school, the teacher must have developed a long-term goal specifically targeted to this class. These long-term goals can then be broken down into daily lesson plans. Starting the first day, the professionally dressed teacher should arrive early and greet each student, and parent if present, at the door. There is never a second chance for a first impression, and an initial warm greeting will set the tone for the rest of the school session. After seating and introductions, the students should complete a questionnaire listing information about themselves. This will allow the teacher insight about the students and create topics for future lesson plans, as well as alert the teacher to any special needs children. Then follow up with a diagnostic test so the teacher can assess the student’s knowledge and further tailor the long-term course of instruction.

Everyday, before class starts, an interesting assignment relating to that days lesson should be waiting on the student’s desk. A crossword puzzle, a story about a current event with questions, or an art activity for younger students, to establish the idea that learning begins as soon as the student arrives not just when the bell rings.

In order to encourage desired student behaviors, the teacher must establish a good rapport with the students. The teacher must smile. Smiles are contagious and brighten a room. Each student’s name needs to be quickly and accurately learned. Using the student’s name correctly will make them feel integrated and important. Within school guidelines, it would be valuable to send home a letter to the parents, in their native language, thanking them for the opportunity to teach their child, and welcoming them to discuss any concerns they may have. It is important to have the parent’s involvement at home.

It is essential to establish classroom rules and procedures. This gives definition to acceptable classroom behavior. Class rules should be written and determined as a group, of course, with the teacher leading the discussion. Rules will include both academic, for example, complete all assignments on time, and social, do not talk when another is talking. All members of the class should agree to these rules, as this secures the students acceptance, and makes them feel inclusive of their own class workings. Class procedures are needed to carry out the daily routine and frequently repeated acts. Such things as pencil sharpening, restroom breaks, handling out and collecting papers, fire drills, exiting the class are routine items that need to have a common procedure to complete. Logical rules and procedures will establish consistent good behavior.

Even after a teacher creates a warm, caring atmosphere, with interesting and challenging course work and engaged students, there still may be disciplinary issues to overcome. In order to have a class that functions effectively, behavior in the classroom needs to be managed for productive learning. Applying positive reinforcement toward appropriate behavior is far more productive than repeated negative attention toward misbehavior. Even still, misbehavior needs to be addressed immediately and consistently. A teacher cannot be too lenient and excuse or ignore misbehavior. Students look to the instructor to be in charge, they expect the offenders to be properly addressed if they are distracting the class. Discipline has many forms and degrees, and since the teacher is regarded as the leader, most times a stern look or moving closer to the offenders will stop inappropriate behavior such as talking. Teachers must remain calm and composed when addressing bad behavior. Discipline should be delivered in the least abrasive manner that will curtail the behavior and addressed in a manner that will produce positive results and not degrade or humiliate the student. If the behavior is intolerable then the principal should be notified.

Classroom management can be summed up as a system in which a well-prepared teacher promotes positive student behavior by keeping the students interested and involved, and manages unwanted behaviors by using positive intervention, to create a suitable environment in which creative and dynamic learning can occur.

References:

Long, James D. and Williams, Robert L. (2005) Making it till Friday, Your Guide to Effective Classroom Management. Highstown: Princeton Book Co.

Murray, Bonnie. (2002) The New Teacher’s Complete Sourcebook. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Traynor, Patrick PH.D. and Traynor, Elizabeth M.D. (2005) Got Discipline? Research-Based Practices for Managing Student Behavior. Irvine: EduThinkTank Research Group.

William Hans