As the first post, I would like to start with something that I have always found difficult : Classroom Management. My first year of teaching was at an international school, with very few students. Naturally, I assumed teaching was a breeze. However, lack of work prodded me to find work at another school. This time, it was a bustling public school, with hordes of students in every class and an enormous workload. For the first time in my life, I started to question my choice of career.
Needless to say, every class was a disaster. The students were literally eating out of my hands. I was their puppet. I was very popular, but I taught nothing and the students learned nothing. Everyday, I would tell myself, 'Today's going to be different' and everyday I came home defeated. The only way I could instill some sort of quiet was by giving the students written work. Honestly, how long can you teach a language with just notebook work and worksheets? I often felt rotten, but I did not know how to deal with it. Frustration often drove me to tears. So, like cowards everywhere do, I quit.
I joined another small school closer home, with lesser students. I was surprised (or maybe it was quite obvious), to see that the problem continued. My class of ten was still the noisiest. To give myself some credit, they genuinely enjoyed my classes and often came over at lunch to talk about their lessons.. but on most days, learning was an aimless activity, with no goals, either for my students or for me.
Around that time, I started training adult learners. The classroom was automatically an organized place, with work getting done impeccably. I wondered, "Why is classroom management not an issue here?"
Perhaps because the learners were adults who knew clearly what they were getting into.
Or...
the second explanation came as a revelation...
THERE WAS A SYSTEM IN PLACE.
Yes, that was it. a system that worked.
I put together a lot of things at that time, regarding classroom management.
Guideline # 1 : Feel comfortable in your skin.
This is the most important thing. Once you start feeling that you know your subject, the ambiance in the classroom changes, no matter what age group you are dealing with. And it is okay to fake it till you get it. Like the French call it, le savoir-être, knowing 'to be'.
Guideline # 2 : La Leçon Zéro - The first lesson.
The first lesson of the year shapes the learning for the rest of the year. When you enter your class for the first time, tell them what you expect and what reinforcements you use. The clarity will lay out a path of flowers towards your learning goals/objectives. If you are like me and have messed up the first lesson or even the first week, do not worry. There's still a solution. Muster up all your courage and give them a talk, not unlike Braithwaite in "To Sir with love". Just act supremely confident.
Guideline # 3 : Positive Reinforcement.
Encourage your learners at every step. If bad behaviour is a problem, make a star chart. (It works beautifully up to Grade VII, and a bit after, depending on the group) . If it is an academic issue, see the child one on one. It works like magic, all that undivided attention. Just stay clear of monetary rewards. (Even a bar of chocolate can be harmful, at times). Keep it simple and sweet, like a bookmark, or a sticker.
Phew! I still do not achieve an ideal classroom setting each day, but I enjoy teaching once again and my students always seem to look forward to my class.
And they do learn a lot.
So do I.
Needless to say, every class was a disaster. The students were literally eating out of my hands. I was their puppet. I was very popular, but I taught nothing and the students learned nothing. Everyday, I would tell myself, 'Today's going to be different' and everyday I came home defeated. The only way I could instill some sort of quiet was by giving the students written work. Honestly, how long can you teach a language with just notebook work and worksheets? I often felt rotten, but I did not know how to deal with it. Frustration often drove me to tears. So, like cowards everywhere do, I quit.
I joined another small school closer home, with lesser students. I was surprised (or maybe it was quite obvious), to see that the problem continued. My class of ten was still the noisiest. To give myself some credit, they genuinely enjoyed my classes and often came over at lunch to talk about their lessons.. but on most days, learning was an aimless activity, with no goals, either for my students or for me.
Around that time, I started training adult learners. The classroom was automatically an organized place, with work getting done impeccably. I wondered, "Why is classroom management not an issue here?"
Perhaps because the learners were adults who knew clearly what they were getting into.
Or...
the second explanation came as a revelation...
THERE WAS A SYSTEM IN PLACE.
Yes, that was it. a system that worked.
I put together a lot of things at that time, regarding classroom management.
Guideline # 1 : Feel comfortable in your skin.
This is the most important thing. Once you start feeling that you know your subject, the ambiance in the classroom changes, no matter what age group you are dealing with. And it is okay to fake it till you get it. Like the French call it, le savoir-être, knowing 'to be'.
Guideline # 2 : La Leçon Zéro - The first lesson.
The first lesson of the year shapes the learning for the rest of the year. When you enter your class for the first time, tell them what you expect and what reinforcements you use. The clarity will lay out a path of flowers towards your learning goals/objectives. If you are like me and have messed up the first lesson or even the first week, do not worry. There's still a solution. Muster up all your courage and give them a talk, not unlike Braithwaite in "To Sir with love". Just act supremely confident.
Guideline # 3 : Positive Reinforcement.
Encourage your learners at every step. If bad behaviour is a problem, make a star chart. (It works beautifully up to Grade VII, and a bit after, depending on the group) . If it is an academic issue, see the child one on one. It works like magic, all that undivided attention. Just stay clear of monetary rewards. (Even a bar of chocolate can be harmful, at times). Keep it simple and sweet, like a bookmark, or a sticker.
Phew! I still do not achieve an ideal classroom setting each day, but I enjoy teaching once again and my students always seem to look forward to my class.
And they do learn a lot.
So do I.
Teaching is a noble profession. There are ups and downs, no doubt. But you are helping shape the generation of tomorrow! Keep it up!!
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