Jill Maschio, PhD
August 15, 2023
Managing a classroom effectively is a skill that requires a combination of organization, communication, and empathy. A well-managed classroom provides an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. In this blog, we will explore a variety of strategies that educators can use to create a positive and productive classroom learning experience for both students and teachers.
1. **Establish Clear Expectations**
Set a clear expectation at the beginning of the school year. This is essential for student success. Create a list of classroom rules and guidelines that outlines acceptable behavior, homework expectations, writing expectations, and other policies. Write a syllabus that contains that information. You may even be interested in writing a student contract. Communicating your policies and expectations to students helps ensure that everyone understands the standards, how you structure your classroom, and student responsibility.
Also, communicate your teaching method so that students can have a better understanding of how classroom time will be spent and what will be expected of them. For example, I tell my class that we do a lot of group work during class time. Then, I spend some time letting students get to know each other and get comfortable with others around them.
2. **Create a Welcoming Environment**
A classroom that is accepting and comfortable can significantly impact the learning experience. Students who feel relaxed and less stressed in the classroom can focus more on learning and engaging in the learning process. Some simple things can include. Be genuine and approachable. I believe that each educator has a “teaching” personality of their own. You can learn more about that in my online course.
Students will respond to educators who care about their well-being and their success. Building trust should be of high importance. You can build trust by how you talk to your class as well as through written communication. Writing a welcome letter to students prior to the start of the course allows students to feel welcome before they step foot in the classroom.
Take the time to get to know your students as individuals. Show genuine interest in their opinions and insights. Acknowledge a student when he or she shares an experience. When students feel valued and respected, you are establishing a relationship. The educator-student relationship is important because that relationship will influence students to be more motivated to engage in the learning process and complete assignments.
3. **Use Active Learning Strategies**
Engage students through active learning methods that encourage participation and critical thinking. Students like to do a variety of work that keeps them busy learning and engaging. Try incorporating the following active learning activities:
- Problem-solving activities
- Class debates
- Small group activities
These types of activities make learning more enjoyable. Students often tell me how they understand the content better by doing in-class work when followed by a small lecture. This technique is also based on how the brain learns.
4 **Effective Time Management**
Organize your lessons to make the most of class time. Lectures and lessons should be created based on student learning outcomes. Once you understand what the learning outcomes are, lessons should reflect them. So, create a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule. Allocate time for lectures, instructions, group activities, and individual work.
Gauge your time. Lecture should be about 15 minutes at a time followed by some type of activity whether it’s having students solve a problem, work on a case study, work on a mini project, or self-reflective writing. The activity will help reinforce what your lecture covered. This strategy will help ensure that the structure of the classroom aligns with how the brain learns.
Conclusion
Managing a classroom is a dynamic and multifaceted endeavor that requires careful planning, adaptability, and a genuine concern for student well-being. By establishing clear expectations, fostering positive relationships, and employing effective teaching strategies, educators can create an environment that supports optimal learning outcomes and prepares students for success both inside and out.
