Ch. 1 - Introducing the Concept of Classroom Management

This chapter introduces us to the subject of classroom management and offers some ideas on how to approach it.

Big Idea #1:  Classroom management is connected to an individual teacher's philosophy and instruction.  Every person has a moral obligation to act in accordance with their conscience, and being a teacher is no different.  A teacher's instruction should reflect what they believe about the purpose of education, about discipline for children, and about the mastery of their subject matter.  Keeping the instruction and the philosophy connected is vital to maintaining consistency in a classroom.

Big Idea #2:  Student misbehavior affects the teacher and other students, and it is prudent to find the cause of the misbehavior, rather than addressing the behavior alone.  It is important to note that a classroom is an environment where many different children interact.  The behavior of one affects the others, and the misbehavior of one can, and often does, have a negative impact on the group as a whole.  A teacher should focus on finding the root cause of the misbehavior, rather than quelling the behavior alone.  The misbehavior is often a symptom of a larger problem.

Big Idea #3:  Student diversity plays a huge factor in managing student behavior, and a management model must address every kind of student.  Your classroom management plan must be specific, yet versatile enough, to address many different behaviors and personalities.  Every student must feel that you have been fair in your management of the class, and that includes when you manage other students.