EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

• Always Be Prepared

• Importance of Establishing Routines

• Respect for Others

• Open Lines of Communication

Always Be Prepared:  One of the fundamental parts of classroom management is always being prepared.  It is much harder for students to misbehave when they have activities to complete or participate in.  Many problems that teachers encounter with student behavior occur when the students have "free time."  Teachers must make sure that they plan extra activities in case a lesson might run short.  Keep students active in the learning process.  However, keeping students active does not necessarily mean that a teacher will solve all the problems that may be encountered.

Importance of Establishing Routines:    It is very important that teachers establish routines for the students.  Students should know what they are expected to do when they arrive in the classroom, as well as the teacher.  There should be a consistency in consequences.  Whether the consequences are negative or positive, they should be consistent.  Different consequences for different students demonstrating the same behavior will only lead to more problems in the classroom.  Furthermore, by having consistent consequences there can be no cries of favoritism when dealing with punishment or rewards.  The rules and consequences should be clearly posted in the classroom.  It may be helpful to have the classes decide what the consequences should be for any infraction of the rules.  This will allow students to have a feeling of ownership in the classroom.  It will also make it hard for the student to argue the unfairness of the rules.  Remember, always be consistent with your consequences.

Respect for Others:    Teachers must remember that students are people with feelings.  Sometimes teachers will use their power to belittle students in front of the entire class.  Many teachers demand respect from their students without reciprocating the act.  It is important when punishing a student to "always deal with the behavior, not the person." (Wong, 162)  Furthermore, try to deal with the student in private rather than in front of the whole class.  If at all possible, deal with the student after class.  This shows the student respect and keeps them from having to go on the defensive in front of their peers.  Teachers who consistently disrespect students by belittling or punishing them in front of the class most likely have small problems turn into big ones.  Respect should be a major part of any teacher's classroom management scheme.

Open Lines of Communication: Communication is a very important component of classroom management.  It is important for teacher's to keep open lines of the communication with students, parents, and the administration.  All three of these components are important for maintaining good classroom management.  Make sure that parents/guardians are aware of what is going on in their child's education.  Many times, what occurs at home can affect what happens in the classroom.  Parental participation in the classroom may exterminate some problems that a student may be demonstrating in your class.  Parents and Administrators should be aware of what is going on in your classroom, keep the lines of communication open.