A Guide to Modern Classroom Management Strategies
The 21st century has brought extensive change to education. From preschools to universities, the classroom environment is evolving. Teachers are running their classes in fundamentally different ways than in the past. Effective classroom management helps teachers reach their goals for students and curb potential problems before they start. Understanding modern classroom management strategies is critical for teachers and administrators.
Defining Effective Classroom Management
Classroom management refers to the techniques teachers use to ensure that students are:
- Organized
- Orderly
- Focused
- Attentive
- On task
- Academically productive
A hallmark of a successful teacher is effective classroom management. Seamlessly integrating classroom management strategies takes skill, experience and patience. All teachers have their own methods that they find effective, with most covering a similar list of purposes (entrance, transitions, interventions, corrections and others, for example).
Trends Affecting Modern Classroom Management Strategies
Many outside forces affect how teachers manage their classrooms. Most schools are experiencing the following three trends and discussing their implications for classroom management strategies.
1. Technology
Every part of society has been affected by technology, and the classroom is no different. The potential of technology to change the classroom has already been demonstrated in a variety of ways. But what if teachers used technology as a classroom management tool? Some teachers are already using integrated classroom systems via tablets for monitoring student behavior. More and more schools are adopting online databases for student monitoring as well, making information easier to share among classrooms and school administrators.
Technology allows students to remain engaged even without direct attention from their teacher. With computerized lessons, students can move beyond roadblocks with assistance from the technology itself.
2. Diversity
In 2014, non-white students represented 50.3 percent of students in U.S. public schools, according to projections from the National Center for Education Statistics. The demographic shift confirms that public school classrooms are more diverse than ever before. Classroom management must reflect this diversity. Teachers have to ensure that they both appreciate and accommodate the similarities and differences in the races, ethnicities and cultures of students.
A diverse classroom gives teachers an opportunity to provide a wider variety of learning experiences for all students. Since the number of school-age children who speak a language other than English at home is rising, teachers are inserting more learning objectives and goals that consider the culture and language skills of students. This helps students understand each other better.
3. Bullying and Cyberbullying
One out of every four students reports being bullied during the school year, according to the National Bullying Prevention Center. More teachers are making it a priority to prevent bullying, which can have a negative effect on students’ classroom performance. Thus, classroom management involves trying to stop classroom bullying before it starts and creating an environment where all students feel welcome.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2014 that nearly 15 percent of students are being bullied online.
Seeking out bullying is difficult, because it often takes place behind the backs of adults. Teachers must look for some of the warning signs, including a decline in performance, increased anxiety and unusual sadness in a student. It is important for teachers to have an anti-bullying policy that students understand. This should be accompanied with bullying education so students can understand how bullying affects them in their own way. Involving administrators can also highlight the importance of keeping schools free from bullying.
Another issue is that bullying is occurring on the Internet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2014 that nearly 15 percent of students are being bullied online. Good classroom management must also address cyberbullying. Educating students on how to be good citizens on the Internet is a great way to start prevention. Teachers can help kids understand that anonymous actions are not truly anonymous, using examples to show the repercussions of cyberbullying. If students learn that cyberbullying is harmful, they may be less inclined to participate.
Modern Education Roles
The 21st-century school has changed significantly, especially when it comes to the roles of different educators. Administrators have a much larger role now than they had in the past, and they work in concert with teachers to ensure success.
Teachers
Teachers are responsible for ensuring that the classroom remains a positive learning environment. They have to maintain control and take the reins when discipline issues arise. They have to set up classroom structure, encourage positive student interaction and take action before problems arise. Classroom management strategies are a foundation for success for both teachers and students.
Guidance Counselors
Guidance counselors are charged with promoting academic achievement and personal development as well as providing college and career guidance. It’s imperative for a guidance counselor to serve as a strong contributor to the school community. Guidance counselors can help make the job of both teachers and administrators easier, serving as a liaison between the school and parent as well as advocating for children.
Principals
Pop culture typically paints principals as villains, but that’s certainly not true for successful school leaders. The modern-day principal is the charismatic leader of the school — an energizer, coach and agent for change. One benefit of changes in student performance measurement has been the increased ability for principals to develop methods to meet state requirements and expectations. Principals are charged with finding the best ways to achieve success, whether it be through technology, changes in curriculum or personnel. A successful principal does far more than manage the building and handle disciplinary matters.
Implementing Effective Classroom Management
In the pursuit of student success, educators at all levels must use the best classroom management techniques to achieve their goals. Concordia University Texas offers five master’s degrees in education as well as certifications that can help you specialize your skills and advance your career. The fully online programs are designed for busy, working teachers and administrators. Take the next step in your journey to make a difference in the lives of students by learning more today.