Classroom management is not teaching; it is a necessary condition to teaching. A common problem, sometimes the most common, that beginning teachers face is poor classroom management. Consistent, proactive discipline is the crux of effective classroom management. It prevents unnecessary disciplinary problems from cropping up.

                Establish routines or all daily tasks and needs. Routine saves you a lot of time. It makes classroom activities less susceptible to breakdowns and interruptions because students know the normal sequence of  events and what is expected of them. Orchestrate smooth transitions and continuity of momentum throughout the day and prevent unnecessary lull in classroom activities.

                Strike a balance between variety and challenge in students’ activities. An extremely easy learning does not challenge our pupils and students. Neither does an extremely difficult one. It is the golden mean between the extremes of easy and difficult that will keep our students/pupil reasonably occupied.

                As classroom manager, be aware of all actions and activities in the classroom. Have eyes on the back of your heads. Be aware of what is happening in the classroom.

                Resolve minor inattention and disruption before they become major disruptions. We ought to respond to inappropriate behavior promptly.

                Reinforce positive behavior with genuine praise. It is our way of appreciating and recognizing hard work and good behavior.

                Treat minor disturbance calmly. Do not make a mountain out of a mole. If a stern look or gesture can kill the inappropriate behavior so be it.

                Workout a physical arrangement of chairs that facilitates an interactive teaching-learning process. Come up with a physical arrangement that allows maximum interaction.

                Make good use of every instructional moment. Minimize discipline time to maximize instructional time.

By: Sandra Boringot | Teacher III | Limay National High School