This is the second post in my Promoting Positive Classroom Behaviour series. We’ll explore effective classroom management strategies that can help you create a positive and productive learning environment.
Classroom management is a critical component of effective teaching. It involves creating an environment where students feel safe, respected, and engaged. Effective classroom management not only minimises disruptive behaviour but also maximises learning opportunities. Let’s dive into some proven strategies that can help you manage your classroom more effectively.
Key Concepts
1. Teacher Presence and Personas
Your presence in the classroom sets the tone for your students. Developing a strong teacher persona can help you establish authority and build rapport with your students. Here are some tips:
- Strong Voice: Use a strong, comfortable tone of voice and formal language to convey your message. Position your body squarely, make direct eye contact, and distribute your weight evenly to affirm your authority.
- Square Up/Stand Still: When addressing disruptions, position your body squarely with your hands at your side. Lean slightly towards the students and maintain a serious facial expression until silence is reached.
2. Strong Voice Technique
The Strong Voice technique is about using intentional verbal and nonverbal habits to affirm your authority, especially when you need control. Here are some key elements:
- Use Economy of Language: Keep your messages short and to the point.
- Do Not Talk Over: Use the self-interrupt mid-sentence and make eye contact with talkers. Wait longer on the self-interrupt and shift your tone back to enthusiastic after the self-interrupt.
- Do Not Engage: Avoid being pulled into arguments or discussions. Stay focused on the direction and continue to ask the student to do a specific behaviour.
3. Call to Attention Methods
A good call to attention helps maintain focus and manage transitions within a lesson. Here are some effective methods:
- Audible Signal: Use an audible signal, such as a bell or chime, to get students’ attention.
- Visual Signal: Use a visual signal, such as raising your hand or a specific hand gesture.
- Complete Attention: Wait for all students’ attention before proceeding. Use phrases like “If you can hear my voice, clap twice” to ensure everyone is focused.
- My friend who’s a primary school teacher has really creative and fun call to attentions, like:
- Teacher: To infinity
- Students: And beyond!
- Teacher: Scooby dooby doo
- Students: Where are you?
- Teacher: Stop!
- Students: Hammer time
- Teacher: Shark bait
- Students: Ooh ha ha
- Teacher: Zip it, lock it
- Students: Put it in your pocket
- Teacher: 1, 2, 3… eyes on me
- Students: 1, 2 eyes on you!
- Teacher: Hocus pocus
- Students: Everybody focus
Effective classroom management is essential for creating a positive learning environment. By developing a strong teacher presence, using the Strong Voice technique, and implementing effective call to attention methods, you can minimise disruptions and maximise learning opportunities.
Try implementing one of these strategies in your classroom this week. Observe how it impacts your students’ behaviour and engagement. Share your experiences in the comments below. What worked well? What challenges did you face? Let’s learn from each other and continue to improve our classroom management skills.
References
Leigh, A. (2010). Estimating teacher effectiveness from two-year changes in students’ test scores. Economics of Education Review, 29(3), 480-488. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econedurev.2009.10.010
Sanders, W. L., & Rivers, J. C. (1996). Cumulative and residual effects of teachers on future student academic achievement. University of Tennessee Value-Added Research and Assessment Center. Retrieved from https://www.beteronderwijsnederland.nl/files/cumulative%20and%20residual%20effects%20of%20teachers.pdf
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