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In this unit I learned about class management. As a teacher, it is important to use correct eye contact, gestures, and voice when engaging students. When organizing activities, the teacher must decide how to organize students - individually, in pairs, or in groups. Individual student work is good when the teacher needs to work with individual students that need help. It also encourages students to be self reliant. However, it can drastically take away from student talk time and interactions. This is where pair-work and group-work come in handy. Pairs are good for encouraging student information sharing, allowing students to share responsibility, and giving students a safe environment to try out ideas before sharing. Group-work is good as it encourages students to cooperate and negotiate in English. Both pairs and groups can cause the classroom to be noisy.
There are 3 different types of classroom arrangement - orderly rows, circles/horseshoes, and separate tables. Orderly rows are good for large classes as the teacher can see each and every student clearly, however it can be intimidating to the students. Circles and horseshoes are good for smaller classes; it is a more intimate setting that allows for easier student interactions. Tables are ideal for group-work, however it can be difficult for the teacher to fully engage with each student in a table setting.
By being aware of their position in the classroom, teachers can have various impacts on their students. When standing, teachers can effectively lecture, give instructions, and organize activities for students. When the teacher is sitting, the class becomes more relaxed, and the students have a better chance to engage with each other. Teachers must also be aware of their talk time - they should limit teacher talk time and increase student talk time. Teacher talk time is good for lecturing and instruction giving, whereas student talk time is important for activities and learning.
The most important thing in maintaining a positive classroom environment is establishing rapport. When teachers have a good, respectful relationship with their students, the students will be more likely to contribute to and learn from the class. Teachers can establish good rapport by being positive, showing interest in the class and students, knowing their students' names, and encouraging their students to contribute to the class.
The last piece of classroom management is discipline. A teacher must maintain a balance of control and a relaxed environment. By being aware of the reasons that disciplinary problems occur, following the school's disciplinary code, and respecting students, the teacher can maintain good classroom control. When disciplinary action is necessary, a teacher should never lose their temper, shout, or make empty threats. The best way to discipline is through firm, immediate action in a respectful manner.
