Classroom Management Critical Essay Classroom management is defined as the ability to plan, control and facilitate interactions in the

classroom that is appropriate to the activity and promotes learning and takes into account different needs and abilities of learners and demonstrates an awareness of equal opportunities and diversity issues (British Council, 2007). In other words, classroom management is that set of teaching behaviours by which the teacher promotes appropriate student behaviour and eliminates inappropriate behaviour, develops good interpersonal relationships and a positive socio-emotional climate, and establishes and maintains an effective and productive classroom organization. Classroom management is important because it enables the teacher to ensure appropriate learner participation and form learning patterns that have optimistic impact on learning. It helps to inspire learners and ensures that different styles of learning are catered for and diverse needs met. Classroom management is a critical ingredient in the three way mix of effective teaching strategies which includes meaningful context, powerful teaching strategies and an organizational structure to support productive learning (Barbara Larrivee, 2009). I observed Mrs. Rekha Vasudev in a Year 3 Bharathi class with low proficiency level but hyperactive pupils. She was very firm with her pupils as they are very naughty and mischievous. She placed firm limits on the pupils and is very clear with her rules and instructions. For an example, she counts 1, 2, 3 and the pupils have to be at their seat by the count of three. The placement or seating arrangements is in a straight row and pupils are asked to be seated from the beginning of class and they are not encouraged to move freely in the classroom. Mrs. Rekha react such because these pupils are way too noisy and naughty. They cannot be controlled once they are left free or when they are asked to do a task in a group. They go off task instead of completing the work given. Apart from that, she also uses behavioral approach even though there is some authoritarian approach. Behavioral approach is a theory of learning and it believes that all behaviors are acquired as a result of conditioning. Conditioning occurs after a person interacts with his environment. As per behaviorism, behavior can be studied and analyzed in a systematic manner that can be observed and the behaviorist does not have to take the internal mental state of the person into account. This conditioning is sometimes referred to as instrumental conditioning. It is a method of learning where the person is taught using rewards and punishments for a particular behavior. Through this conditioning, a person learns to make an

association between a particular behavior and the resultant consequence (Hector Chapa Sikazwe, 2009). Mrs. Rekha has her instructions clear and makes sure all her pupils get the chance to answer the question that is posted out. She also uses the reinforcement method. Reinforcement is viewed as an event which enhances the possibility that a behavior will be repeated and the repeated behavior is strengthened (Woolfolk, 2007). Besides, she uses a lot of picture cards and cue cards to conduct her lesson. She focuses a lot on the back benches and she calls out name often. She has her eye all around and she calls out pupils name firmly when they do not focus in the class or when they are not on task. On the other hand, Mrs. Rekha corrects pupils misbehavior on the spot. For an example, she stresses and says that do not call teacher teacher when I am speaking, Theeban! Another example is when she changed the pupils seating as she notices them playing or disturbing their partner and also when they disrupt the lesson. She reacts and punishes the pupils immediately according to the situation and environment. Apart from the approach and theory mentioned above, Canters Assertive discipline theory is also been used in Mrs. Rekhas classroom. Assertive discipline is a structured, systematic approach designed to assist educators in running an organized, teacher-in-charge classroom environment (Tom McIntyre, n.d). Assertive teachers counter confidently and rapidly in a situation that requires the management of pupils behavior. They are supported by a few and comprehensible classroom rules that have been explained, practiced, and enforced time after time. They give rigid, clear, brief directions to pupils who are in need of outside guidance to help them perform appropriately (Assertive Discipline, 2013). We can clearly see that Mrs. Rekha follows the assertive discipline because she treats everyone fairly and she does not have biasness or have favoritism. She has a discipline plan that clearly outlines expectations as well as positive and negative consequences. For an example, when Mrs. Rekha enters the class, she explains to the pupils what behavior is acceptable and unacceptable. She also explains and makes it clear about the consequences that pupils have to face of their misbehaviors. An assertive teacher does not go unnoticed of an appropriate behavior in the classroom. Mrs. Rekha praises a pupil who is well behaved in classroom and this will encourage the pupils to continue to behave appropriately. Hence, this will also make other pupils to react appropriately because they know that they will also be praised if they are well behaved. This is also called as Ripple Effect by Kounins Theory. Ripple Effect is defined as correcting one pupils behavior in a way that changes the behavior of others around (Kristy Nardelli, 2011). It can also be

implementing when the teacher praises pupils behavior. Hence we can clearly see that Mrs. Rekha used a lot of approaches and theory in managing her classroom. She reacts according to the situation and environment. Pupils proficiency level and activeness is also taken into account. There are certain things that Mrs. Rekha did not follow in Canters Assertiveness Theory. Mrs. Rekha could have had four to five rules and stick with them from the beginning till the end. She said the rules verbally and keeps having different rules at different times. Instead of just saying it verbally, Mrs. Rekha could have display the rules in the classroom on the wall or on a cardboard and paste it on the wall in front of the class. She should also have an agreement with the pupils whereby the pupils sign an agreement or contract stating that they will follow rules and its between the teacher and pupil only. Hence if a pupil misbehaves, recognize the behavior and emphasize on the rules pasted on the wall and remind the pupils about the agreement signed. The key to an assertive discipline is to catch pupils being good and also quality. There are several ways that can be looked upon in teaching such hyperactive class. First of all, an effective teacher establishes, clearly communicates and maintains appropriate expectations for pupils learning, participation and responsibility. An effective teacher also promotes pupils learning through the effective use of appropriate instructional strategies (Dr. William Huitt, 1996). In Mrs. Rekhas case, instead of being autocratic, she could have tried being more to democratic. Sometimes it is understandable that her pupils are way to mischievous till she cannot control her class. But giving a try of a new approach can bring changes. This is because good discipline occurs best in a democratic classroom. A democratic classroom is one in which the teacher and pupils work together to make decisions about how the class will function (Woolfolk, 2007). Good discipline cannot occur in autocratic and permissive classroom. Dreikurs Theory says that, we as teachers should identify mistaken goals and deal with them in a correct manner (Dreikurs, 1968). We should not embarrass pupils in front of other pupils. They will feel ashamed and demotivated. We should ask them to stay back after class and tell them in a friendly manner not in a threatening manner. Teachers should encourage their pupils and also respect them. As said by Dreikur, Mrs Rekha should correct the pupils mistake in a friendly manner and not in a threatening manner. She also should not punish the pupils. This would make the pupils to feel that there are being respected hence the unpleasant stimulus

would be removed. Misbehavior brings unpleasant consequences such as having to complete work at home or being excluded from normal class activities. Punishment should never be used in the classroom. Punishment is just a way for teachers to get back at students and show them whose boss, and is usually humiliating to the student. Punishment has many bad side effects and therefore should be supplanted with logical consequences agreed to by the class. Apart from that, Mrs. Rekha could also have used the Ginott Model of Theory. Ginott Model says that, discipline is a series of little victories. The classroom management and pupils behavior relies on self-discipline of the teacher. Teachers should model the behavior they hope to see in their children. Learning always takes place in the present tense, meaning teachers must not prejudge students or hold grudges. This is because its the behavior of the pupils that are unpleasant not the pupils themselves. Mrs. Rekha usually praises the pupils for the good behavior. Instead of praising the pupils, she should praise their act. Moreover, Mrs. Rekha should grab her pupils attention by creating a song and asking them to sing the song each time they are out of focus. This would make the learning more interesting and pupils will be aware and they will stay focus on the lesson. Another way Mrs. Rekha can get her pupils attention is by clapping hands. Clapping is a quick way to get the attention of a classroom that is out of control. Loud claps will make the class to stop acting out and pay attention. Eye contact is one more way to improve your nonverbal communication skills. When you look around your classroom, you shelter the trust of your pupils while also gaining their attention. In addition, if a pupil is acting up you can apply the five second stare. The pupil should get the idea that the behaviour is inappropriate when she or he notices your stare. In short, there are many theories, approaches, strategies and techniques that can be used in managing a classroom and also in getting the pupils attention. It depends on the teacher and how effective he or she is in using these approaches, theories and strategies. An effective teacher should be well verse with all kind of techniques of classroom management so that he or she is well prepared in managing any classroom environment or situation. Hence an effective teacher should plan an effective classroom management where teaching and learning takes place in a conducive manner.

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