Effective classroom management begins with establishing a proper atmosphere for learning. The atmosphere of the classroom has many components including: class expectations, rapport with students, classroom organization, classroom climate and much more.
Building Rapport
The key ingredient to developing a positive classroom atmosphere is building rapport with students. "Students do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care!" Students are motivated to give teachers respect when they have received respect first from the teacher. Developing a positive and appropriate relationship with students will prevent a majority of classroom misbehaviors.
Classroom Organization
- A well organized classroom fosters security and success in students.
- Create a seating chart.
- Arrange desks for safe a easy movements.
- Provide a location for students to turn in work.
- Provide a location for students to pick up work they missed.
- Place needed materials within reach of students.
- Post organizational procedures in writing so student can refer to them often.
- Keep up to date and accurate records.
- Maintain a sign-in and sign-out sheet for students.
- Post Agendas and Calendars of important events.
Steps for a Positive Classroom Climate
- Provide an atmosphere of trust and respect.
- Encourage cooperation while giving students opportunities to work in groups in order to share learning experiences.
- Promote individual value of all persons, races, genders and learning abilities.
- Model behaviors that are expected of students.
- Teach students appropriate and effective conflict resolution.
- Provide time for character education and put it into practice during real situations.
Creating a Classroom Mood that Breeds Success
- Use attractive and colorful decorations.
- If building codes permit, use lamps for alternative lighting.
- Play classical or soft music during certain times of the day to create a relaxed tone. (Studies have stated that classical music played during test times may increase student scores.)
- Use certain scents that emit pleasing smells.
Helpful Links
The Learning Environment >>> - Classroom Climate - Information for establishing a positive classroom climate in order to enhance academic achievement and help promote appropriate classroom behavior.
Series on Highly Effective Practices >>> - Classroom Environment - Information from Darden School of Education at Old Dominion University regarding effective classroom environments including "Arranging the Physical Environment of the Classroom to Support Teaching/Learning.
Classroom Climate >>> - CTER provides a compilation of strategies for developing and maintaining a positive classroom climate.
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