Classroom Management Guide for Working with Diverse Learners

We all have heard stories of an uncontrollable classroom, or students who run the classroom instead of the teacher. I have even been in that place where I felt like my control was slipping through my fingers. My goal is for the information and knowledge I share with you today to be beneficial and enlightening as you prepare for your next adventure in the classroom.

There are several areas of classroom management that a novice teacher needs to be aware of to succeed. A novice teacher should focus on the following list to effectively manage the classroom.

1. Get Organized in your classroom and with supplies

Teachers tend to have many tangible resources so try to condense items into compact containers that can be organized in a cabinet or on a shelf for each accessibility. If your class size is average, try to provide adequate spacing in between student desks.

2. Establish a set of classroom norms and expectations (This should be at the top of your priorities list)

Students can take part in the creation of the classroom rules. Typically there are rules about being courteous, respectful, coming to class prepared, and listening to others. Also, be sure to review safety protocol and procedures with students in the event of a fire drill, tornado drill, or other safety emergencies. Typically the school administration will facilitate the process, but it is good to have an initial conversation with students.

3. Foster student accountability

In fostering student accountability, the goal is for students to become independent learners. Procedures and tasks related to assignments should give as much responsibility as reasonably possible to students.

4. Planning and Implementation of Instructional Materials

You will likely have a classroom of various learning styles and levels. Be sure to have well-planned lessons that have differentiation and scaffolding built into the lesson plan.

5. Whole group and small group

With whole group instruction, the teacher will teach the entire class. Whole group instruction should not occur in the entire class period. After whole group instruction, students should shift to small group instruction. The teacher can provide individual guidance for students who need additional support.

6. Managing appropriate student behavior

The teacher should remain firm and consistent with managing student behavior in the classroom. The more a teacher circulates the class during whole group instruction and small group instruction, the more likely a teacher will catch a student who may be misbehaving. When a student misbehaves, there should be a process established with a warning system. Refer to the school-based behavior process. Try to remain calm and positive when dealing with misbehavior.

These are just some pieces of advice that I picked up along the way.