12 best classroom management practices

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One of the subjects I am teaching in college is The Teaching Profession.  In this subject, one topic is on classroom management.  In my introduction I will tell my education students, "This is the most difficult subject."  Students might wonder why during examinations they still get higher scores.  I would then told them later about the reality in the teaching profession.  "In your first two years as a new teacher, you will be learning about classroom management.  You will only discover the best classroom management practice when you are already in the field."

As a principal I observed this as the biggest burden among new teachers. They would ask me often what is the best strategy to discipline the students.

Classroom management has been the problem for most teachers especially the neophytes.  If you are one, consider the following (from Best Practices in Classroom Management by Christopher Dunbar):

1. Hold and communicate high behavioral expectations.

2. Establish clear rules and procedures, and instruct students in how to follow them; give
primary-level children and those with low socioeconomic status, in particular, a great
deal of instruction, practice, and reminding.

3. Make clear to students the consequences of misbehavior.

4. Enforce classroom rules promptly, consistently, and equitably from the very first day of
school.

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5. Work to instill a sense of self-discipline in students; devote time to teaching self monitoring skills.

6. Maintain a brisk instructional pace and make smooth transitions between activities.

7. Monitor classroom activities; give students feedback and reinforcement regarding their
behavior.

8. Create opportunities for students (particularly those with behavioral problems) to
experience success in their learning and social behavior.

9. Identify students who seem to lack a sense of personal efficacy and work to help them
achieve an internal locus of control.

10. Make use of cooperative learning groups, as appropriate.

11. Make use of humor, when suitable, to stimulate student interest or reduce classroom
tensions.

12.  Remove distracting materials (athletic equipment, art materials, etc.) from view when
instruction is in progress.

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Reference:
https://www.msu.edu/~dunbarc/dunbar3.pdf

How did I land into a career of teaching?

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As a kid it was not difficult for me to like the teaching profession having been under the care of my excellent and kind teachers in the elementary.  It was so nice to see them in their uniform.  Their kindness and compassion was contagious.

In high school, that desire did not prosper.  I learned that there are other professions which can make people more successful than teaching.  While the desire was still hidden deep within me, the lure of venturing into the a not so known profession was gaining ground.  Then, another childhood desire resurfaced as I entered fourth year high school.  I wanted to be a religious.

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As a college student, I saw myself studying to be a teacher.  It was the chosen course of my congregation.  It was just fitting since the Brothers of the Sacred is into a teaching ministry.  That's it.  I became a teacher, no regrets.  I love my profession.  I love my calling. It might be a very demanding job but I know deep in my heart I am doing God's work.  It is my way also of thanking Him for the many blessings I receive.  Is it not a double reward when your enjoy what you are doing while at the same time you are being used by God as His messenger to the world, particularly to your students?  

Today, I continue to teach in the college.  Some of my students are education students.  I make a simple survey and I found out that a good number of them are sons and daughters of teachers.  It seems that the calling of a teacher runs in the blood through generations.

What about you?  What is your calling?  If you are a teacher, are you happy?  Do you still see the value, joy and fulfillment of being God's instrument?

May your dreams be blessed.

Randy T.