As a beginner teacher, my worst fear is an uncontrollable class! But with the help of some various materials, I think I have come up with some clear, helpful information to avoid discipline problems by using effective classroom management.

Plan! It is always best for the teacher to over plan than to be under prepared. Plan the lessons as thoroughly as possible, with enough activities to fill in free time. In his/her planning, the teacher needs to factor in any problems that might arise from particular activities and how to deal with them. Is the activity appropriate for the size of the class, or will it be too difficult to maintain with a large class size?

“It’s easier to get easier” It’s better to start of with strong disciplinary rules and gradually relax them, than it is to start too relaxed and later try to install some discipline! From the very first lesson, the students quickly assess the situation and classroom dynamics and work out what they can get away with.

Make rules understandable. The teacher needs to be selective in the rules that the students are to follow, so that they are clear and easy to remember. Students should then understand what is and isn’t acceptable, especially if the teacher is consistent with enforcing these rules. If one day the teacher ignores misbehaviour, but the next day becomes angered by the smallest disturbance, the students will loose respect for the teacher.

Be fair- students of all ages have a sense of what is or isn’t fair, and the teacher needs to maintain respect towards students. Treat all students equally, and in turn the students will respect the firm but fair discipline rules and not become resentful towards the teacher.

In the case of a disruption, try to deal with it as quickly as possible so that the class doesn’t loose its momentum and become distracted. If students are talking amongst themselves, ask one of them a question to try and get them to focus on the topic at hand. In fact, if you regularly ask the students random questions, this will keep them on their toes and less likely to lapse into chit-chat with the friend sitting next to them.

If a pair of students continues to be disruptive, it’s best to separate them- it will be more difficult for them to continue their antics at when placed at opposite sides of the classroom.

Sometimes a troublesome student is often seeking attention. The teacher should give the student the attention he/she wants by distracting them with a useful task. Ask the student to hand out papers, or write on the board, or become a group leader in an activity.

It is best to avoid confrontations in front of students. It is much better for the teacher to talk to the troublesome student alone so that the student is forced to talk one-on-one with the teacher, and not have the opportunity to show-off in front of class members, or be humiliated in front of fellow classmates.

Keeping students interested by the teacher’s enthusiastic nature will help to prevent boredom and misbehaviour. By maintaining eye contact with students when speaking or listening to them, the teacher is asserting that he/she expects conversation and is interested in what the student is saying. Walking around the room (if possible) is a good way to keep an eye on students, and when at the front of the classroom, the teacher should be visible by everyone.

Start fresh everyday! Begin each lesson with a positive attitude and a friendly demeanor. Always have the highest expectations of your class, and make it clear that you expect great things from them every lesson. Constantly praise students for their good effort, give every student some attention and opportunity to be involved.

Materials used:

ITTT course unit material on ‘Classroom Management’ and ‘Lesson Planning’.

' Top 10 tips for Classroom Management' by Melissa Kelly

‘Classroom Management That Works: Research-based Strategies for Every Teacher’

R.J.Marzano, J.S.Marzano & D.J.Pickering.

Rebecca Parker