6 General Principles All Teachers Should Use to Improve Classroom Management

Classroom management is one of the most important aspects of teaching. A well-managed classroom is a productive classroom, where students can learn and grow. However, classroom management can be challenging, especially for new teachers.

There are many different approaches to classroom management, and what works for one teacher may not work for another. However, there are some general principles that can help all teachers improve their classroom management skills.

1. Establish clear expectations

The first step to effective classroom management is to establish clear expectations for students. Set specific academic expectations, intellectual expectations, and social expectations. These expectations should be communicated to students at the beginning of the year, and continually readjusted and talked about. 

2. Be consistent

Once you have established clear expectations, it is important to be consistent in enforcing them. Don't set certain expectations for some students and others for another group. Hold all of your students to the same expectations and be consistent in enforcing them. 

3. Build relationships with students 

Building relationships with students is another important aspect of effective classroom management. When students feel like they have a positive relationship with their teacher, they are more likely to want to follow the rules and behave in a positive way.

There are many ways to build relationships with students. You can start by getting to know them on a personal level. Ask them about their interests, their families, and their goals. You can also build relationships by being supportive and encouraging. Let students know that you believe in them and that you are there to help them succeed. Let your students know that you are someone they can rely on and talk to. 

4. Be fair

Students are more likely to cooperate when they feel like they are being treated fairly. This means being consistent with your expectations and consequences, and it also means treating all students with respect. Everyone has biases, but it's important to be aware of them so that you can avoid letting them influence your interactions with students. 

Being fair to your students also means being open to feedback. This could be done through anonymous surveys, class discussions, or one-on-one conversations. Listening to student feedback can help you to identify areas where you can improve. 

5. Be prepared

One of the best ways to manage your classroom is to be prepared for the day. As a teacher you will need to plan ahead. Planning ahead can help you be more organized and efficient during the day. Have all of your materials prepared for teaching. This means making sure you have all of the materials you need for your lessons, such as textbooks, worksheets, and manipulatives. 

Checking in with students is also important for teachers to be prepared for the day. This means taking some time at the beginning of the day to check in with students and see how they are doing. This will help to create a positive learning environment and make sure that students are ready to learn.

Being prepared also means understanding you will need to be flexible. Be ready to adjust your plans as needed. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be able to adapt.

6. Get help when you need it

If you are struggling with classroom management, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to teachers, such as colleagues, administrators, and professional development programs.

Improving classroom management takes time and effort, but it is worth it. A well-managed classroom is a productive classroom, where students can learn and grow. Read more from the classroom management expert Mike Roberts.

By following these tips, you can create a classroom where students can learn and grow in a positive and productive environment.

Main post image by Max Fischer via Pexels
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