5 Classroom Management Issues All Teachers Face
As a teacher, you’ll be fully aware of the common misconception that teaching is ‘easy’. Many believe that the profession of teaching is a bit of a ‘holiday’ due to the amount of public holidays that come with the job. However, as a teacher, you’ll also be fully aware that these statements are nothing more than delusional comments, and that the role of a teacher can be tough, stressful, and hard work.
Not only are there 101 things (or thereabouts) that you must do within the classroom environment, there are also all the extra hours (that many ‘non-teachers’ forget about) on the evenings and weekends. In this latest blog, we’re going to look at the 5 most common classroom management issues that teachers face, and how you can successfully handle them.
1. Classroom Conflict
Unfortunately, certain conflicts within the classroom are unavoidable; it’s simply the way of life. It’s important to approach a classroom conflict sensitively, as you don’t know what the circumstances are. Have a one-to-one meeting with those involved and listen to each side of the story. If possible, try and help by suggesting a fair and equal resolution. If the conflict has passed this stage, take the relevant steps in a clear and engaging manner so that everyone involved is aware of the consequences and next steps.
2. Lack of Attention
Most classrooms will have one or two pupils who just can’t seem to pay attention. Not only is this frustrating for you, it can become disruptive for other learners and slow the entire process down. Therefore, engaging these pupils is highly important in order to run a smooth classroom with little distraction. In order to do this successfully, you may need to consider changing the lesson plan slightly. Alternatively, include them more in discussions by asking them direct and specific questions about content that you’ve just covered.
3. Out of Control Classroom
It only takes one out of control pupil to turn an entire classroom into hyper and almost crazed individuals. If this happens (particularly if it happens regularly), the chances are, your lessons are not as engaging as they could be. Many pupils, especially children, become bored when there isn’t enough interactive or interesting information available. Therefore, boredom can turn into an out of control classroom. Consider changing your lesson plan to include engaging activities.
4. Inappropriate Language
Bad, rude or downright inappropriate language is just completely not acceptable in the classroom. It doesn’t matter if a pupil is using this type of language to communicate with their friends or if they are saying it to you or another teacher, it simply shouldn’t be happening. To avoid pupils using this type of language, you must instil rules in the classroom and implement consequences if these rules are broken.
5. Teaching a Large Class
Even the thought of teaching a large classroom can be stressful! The fear of not being able to control a large group of young people can be incredibly daunting. However, there are a number of strategies that can help in this type of situation such as:
- Dividing the pupils into groups and having them work together on a project. This not only focuses them, but it builds their group skills and encourages teamwork.
- Split the classroom into two halves and have one-half of the class ask pre-set questions and the other half answer. This encourages large-scale teamwork and engagement.
- Instead of worrying about keeping an entire large classroom engaged for a full lesson, using worksheets means that you don’t have to stress about keeping the attention of up to 40 pupils at any one time. A worksheet means that they can read and guide themselves and call on you if they have any questions.
Engagement is Key
On an individual level, effective classroom management will improve over time and as experience grows. Classroom settings are adaptable and interchangeable, and in order to teach successfully, you must ensure the classroom is a safe, adaptable, and engaging place for both you and your pupils.