Article 9: Keeping them on the edge of their seats (Classroom management).
By: Ann Gazin In her article titles “Keeping them on the edge of their seats (Classroom Management), author Ann Gazin writes on the issue of having a well-managed class while keeping students engaged and not bored. She points out that having a perfectly silent classroom might not be what we should strive for, but rather a classroom where the children can, “…explore, create and experiment.” She gives 6 tips on how to have a well-managed, active classroom; Strike the balance, set the rules at the start, have consistency, keep your cool, set up your space, and seek outside help. Striking the balance between your control and the students’ control is a big line to draw. Gazin says, “…Too much stimulation can lead to chaos. But too much control rob youngsters of their innate curiosity and exuberance.” Let the kids see that you are passionate about your subject, and it will pass on to them. Setting your rules at the start is key to letting the students know exactly what is expected of them as soon as they come into the classroom. One interesting point that Gazin brings up is allowing the students help in the rule making process. She says, “When students feel they have helped to establish the rules, they are more invested in them.” Along with setting your rules is being consistent in enforcing them. Being consistent and fair in your discipline is a must. Gazin points out that you will have those students that get under your skin, but she stresses about not embarrassing the student or using abusive language. She also makes it a point to model your behavioral standards, for example, “If I ask them not to interrupt their classmates… I make sure not to interrupt them.” Setting up your space refers to situating your desks in a way that facilitates good behavior and having a presence around the classroom by walking around. Finally, seeking outside help pertains to those students that might require extra help from a school counselor, administrator, or even their parents. All these nuggets of knowledge attribute to a teacher’s ability to manage a class well, while maintaining an active learning environment where the students engage and do not tune out. In this day and age, a kid’s attention is one of the hardest things to get and keep. By using the advice Ann Gazin gives, we can keep the kids engaged in the learning process and have fun at the same time.