Classroom management

Question 1

What is classroom managment

Answer 1

 the ability to create the conditions in which learning can take place
 has to do sth with your attitude, intentions and personality and your relationships with the Ls
 needs certain organizational skills and techniques

Question 2

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AREAS:

Answer 2

 Grouping
 Seating arrangement
 Teacher authority (getting attention)
 Critical moments (discipline, attitude to mother tongue)
 Tools and techniques (aids, materials, technology)
 Working with people (names)

Question 3

Grouping

Answer 3

• whole-class grouping (Wh)
• individualised learning (Ind)
• group work/GW or PW

Question 4

Seating arrangement

Answer 4

 desk rows – arrangement
 a circle or a U-shape (horseshoe arrangement, panel)
 clusters (café style desks)

Question 5

Maintaining discipline

Answer 5

 act immediately
 focus on the behaviour not the pupil
 take things forward
 reprimand in private
 keep calm
 use colleagues and the institution

Question 6

Practical hints for teacher on classroom discipline

Answer 6

 Start by being firm with Ss: you can relax later.
 Get silence before you start speaking to the class.
 Know and use Ss’ names.
 Prepare lessons thoroughly and structure them firmly.
 Be mobile: walk around the class.
 Start the lesson with a “bang” and sustain interest and curiosity.
 Speak clearly.
 Make sure your instructions are clear.
 Have extra material prepared (e.g. to cope with slower/faster-working Ss).
 Look at the class when speaking, and learn how to “scan”.
 Make work appropriate (to pupils’ age, ability, cultural background).
 Develop an effective questioning techniques.
 Anticipate discipline problems and act quickly.
 Avoid confrontations.
 Clarify fixed rules and standards, and be consistent in applying them.
 Show yourself as supporter and helper to the Ss.
 Don’t patronise Ss, treat them with respect.
 Use humour constructively.

Question 7

Advice on dealing with discipline problems

Answer 7

Before problem arises (Prevention is better than cure):
a) Plan and organize your lesson carefully.
b) Make sure instructions are clear, assertive, brief.
c) Keep in touch with what is going on.
2. When problem is beginning (Do something!):
a) Deal with the problem quickly, prevent escalation.
b) Keep your cool: don’t take things personally.
c) Don’t use threats (unless you’re prepared to implement them)
3. When problem has exploded (Act quickly – don’t argue!):
a) “Explode” yourself (loud and assertive command)
b) Give in (HW>”All right, don’t!”)
c) Make them an offer they can’t refuse (postponement, arbitration, compromise)

Question 8

Classroom language

Answer 8

 the routine language that is used on a regular basis in classroom (giving instructions, praise …)
 e.g.: “Take out your books” or “Please, sit down”
 T> greetings, instructions – carried out in English from the beginning
 it makes the language classroom environment more authentic