Classroom Management as a Tool for Teaching Success

Most first time teachers enter the workforce bright-eyed and confident about their ability to affect the lives of young students. However, it is common for these teachers to quickly discover that the reality of teaching is different from what they imagined.  What they find is that some students are not the lovely little angels they envisions, but rather students that continue to act up in class and disrupt the whole learning process.

Many new teachers' dreams are shattered' and reality kicks in which ultimately lead to many teaching leaving the profession.  However, leaving the teaching profession is not the proper solution to the problem, the real answer lies in establishing and maintaining a consistent, effective plan of classroom management.

Many of the problems that new teachers face are a direct result of a lackadaisical classroom management plan.  By creating and implementing a strong plan, new teachers can avoid the numerous pitfalls that cause so many to leave their jobs.

If you are struggling for ways to take control of your classroom, consider following the following proven steps to classroom management success:

Make Students Listen!

You are more likely to encounter classroom management issues if you have a room full of students who are just starring off into space. To avoid this type of situation, create lessons that are aimed at grabbing students' attention and get them involved in what is being taught.  The best way to do this is by getting to know the skills each of them possess, then allowing these skills to dictate how and what you teach them. Catering to your students' skills gives them a reason to listen up and stay interested in class. Making the material applicable to real life is also critical, because students will find meaning in this and they will want to listen and learn.

Take the Reigns

The most important thing you need to remember is that you are in charge.  Do not give your students any of the power that you hold as the teacher.  Make sure they know who the boss is by stating the rules and consequences, and following them through. What ever happens, resist the urge to negotiate.  Negotiating with students gives them the impression that they have some level of power in the classroom and you want to avoid this at all cost.

Respect Your Students' Individuality

You are much less likely to experience severe behavior issues if you understand and respect your students as individuals.  If you take the time and get to know your students, they will be more interested in pleasing you and less likely to misbehave.  Simple steps like greeting your students at the door, giving them the opportunity to express themselves through class work, and showing an interest in their lives can be incredibly valuable.  Also, getting to know your students as individuals can make your position as a teacher that much more rewarding.  Once you know your students, you will really be able to see the difference that you make in their lives.

As a first year teacher, it is important to remember that you are not alone, every educator has to start somewhere and you will develop your class management skills as time progresses. Be patient, persistent, and remain passionate ' you will ultimately achieve your education goals and become the teacher you have always wanted to be.