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What really is classroom management?
- Shellie Home Bradbury
- Aug 11, 2022
- 3 min read
Whether you're in your first year of teaching or twentieth, managing your classroom is the most important part of your job. Not only is it the most important element of your teaching it is the most influential factor for benefiting or hindering, student engagement and learning.
So what really is classroom management? I've noticed a key different between USA and Australia, with regards to the term 'Classroom management'. The USA defines it well. More on that soon. But when I think of classroom management I think of everything required to run and 'manage' absolutely everything involved in teaching. From class data, behaviour management strategies, curriculum plans, rosters, casual or substitute teachers information to classroom design, how you 'manage' and/or 'run' your classroom depends on the aforementioned elements.
I even googled 'synonyms for manage' and woah! Where do student's voices come in to the picture?
There is just so much to consider when managing a classroom. So, where to begin? Maybe with my Top 10 Classroom Management Tips Guide... hint, hint...
Through researching and immersing myself in USA 'influencers', the USA differs in their definition through their school language and culture via social media. My take on their definition of classroom management is that they are primarily focusing on behaviour mangagement, or rather how students exist in a classroom. They tend not to use the term behaviour management. This is based only via socials, as a place where many of us go to for tips and tricks of teaching.
I'm beginning to steer away from the term 'behavour management' as this has a single focus and in a weird way makes me think of it simply as rules and behavioural expecations of students. Besides, isn't this a little 'negative' anyway? Also, everyone on this planet has their own opinion on managing the behaviour of children.
Therefore Classroom Management on the other hand, encapsulates pretty much everything required as a teacher. So, as I scroll the socials popular in the education world, it becomes a little clearer to me of the vast difference between American and Australian classrooms and teachers. Of couse social media does not completely and absolutely define the image of schools and teachers. But what is influencing the socials is managing classrooms encapsulates behaviour management. They use it more positively. Children, themselves do not need discipling, they need to engage in an authentic, calm and organised classroom. And it begins at the door, as they enter the classroom, at the very beginning of the day.
So, design the learning environment, get those rosters organised, gather that data, prepare your casual teacher information, define the incentives and rewards for each individual and class and then plan your curriculum. Tick off everything you require to ensure your classroom is organised and supports students to learn, and behave, within a school community.
I created this checklist so you can feel assured that you have covered almost everything required of you as a classroom teacher.
However you define your management style and whatever the focus, your classroom is for you and for the students in your class. Be certain how you want to manage it and success will come.
About the Author:
Shellie is an experienced teacher specialising in early childhood education. With over 15 years experience, her passion is in the areas of teacher wellbeing, positive behaviour management and creating inspiring learning environments. She has begun a small business, SB Classroom Solutions where you'll find simple and affordable documents, decor and professional checklists.
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