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Teaching Is an Inspiration

Essay by   •  December 3, 2010  •  Research Paper  •  3,152 Words (13 Pages)  •  1,496 Views

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Teaching is an inspirational, motivating and self- satisfying profession that an individual can acquire. Despite the fact that this profession may be rewarding, there is indeed a massive amount of responsibility on teachers. Humanistic teachers need to respond to misbehavior with open communication and attempts at mutually solving problems (Jones 1998). Classroom management plans are a substantial contributing factor that maintains a healthy learning environment as well as the necessary motivation which acts as the engine and steering wheel of learning.. A classroom management plan depends on first high-quality impressions as well as the skill to maintain that status, establishing rules and routines and most importantly problem prevention.

First and foremost classroom management should focus on a positive classroom environment, which a teacher will acquire through a first-rate initial impression. Teacher # 1 emphasized the belief in the power of a positive classroom environment through the comment "a positive class is a productive class". Len.A Froyen (1993) suggests that "much of a teacher's effectiveness and credibility is established on the first day of school"(Froyen,1993,p72). Teachers should cordially greet students at the door as they enter the classroom, and make eye contact with each one of them. This belief is shared by teacher #2 in that teachers should make a "conscious effort in interacting with each student individually on the first day of classes". This action will let students know that a teacher recognizes each individual student's uniqueness (froyen 1993). Teachers obtain and uphold a valuable impression, and set the stage for the school year when they clearly state their goals and intentions. Teachers inform students that the year will consist of both triumphs and challenges. This in turn will increase the comfort level of the students, because of the open communication and interaction that is involved through this activity. Teachers may confide in students through the explanation of a few topics and activities that were on the pro side. This may be done through humor and a few good laughs. Teachers who want to sustain a good first impression from their students will drop these failures in favor of some new, more promising possibilities. In other words, they learn from their mistakes through the practice of analysis and reflection (Kammeenui& Darch 1995). Students will see their teachers as confident and self-assured, individuals, people open to new ideas that can be trusted and lead (Froyen 1993). Froyen (1993) suggests that "mistakes are a source off growth, and as a class they should frequently look for the growth opportunities in mistakes"(Froyen, 1993,p72).Teacher #2 firmly believed in the previous theory stating that "teachers must take a students weaknesses and work to create new found strength's". Undeniably, the establishment of a good impression as well as to maintain that status is essential to the development of classroom management. In addition, impressions will be somewhat tested when teachers begin the process during which they will establish rules and routines for the class.

Establishment of rules and routines is essential to a well managed, productive classroom. Teachers should discuss rules with the class as a whole. They should learn to state clear general behavioral expectations (Jones 1995).Teacher # 1 supports this belief in that "clear and concise guidelines as well as expectations" aid in the formation of a well managed learning environment. Students will then know what their teachers expect of them before any problems may arise. To maintain other rights, rules should be little in number to make them easy to remember (Kammeenui& Darch 1995). Furthermore, along with rules comes the need to establish routines. According to Froyen(1993), teachers operate according to a schedule and appropriately distribute activities according to predetermined objectives and precisely chosen allocations of time. Teacher #1reiterates this belief through the comment "a student well informed of there academic timeline will in turn promote a student who is organized and efficient". This serves as an excellent way to obtain a well-managed classroom. For example, an outline on the board may serve as an advanced organizer, as well as, excellent samples of student assignments will help students understand standards of excellence. Froyen(1993) states "gradual introduction and assimilation of these procedures provides for continuity and reduces some of the complications of operating in a multifaceted setting (Froyen,1993,p74). Therefore, teachers and students may avoid any confusion and complications. Both Froyen(1993) and Jones (1995) suggest that it is critical for teachers to set rules, routines and expectations. Unfortunately, students sometimes break these routines and rules, and therefore need to be dealt with accordingly.

Furthermore, problem prevention is significant for a classroom management plan to maintain control in the classroom. Problem prevention is one of the key management plans teachers need to implement and maintain classroom management (Duke 1982). Duke (1982) states, determining expected student behavior encourages teachers to be aware of certain pupils as well as have a plan of action before hand. Teachers may prevent problems by understanding students' personal as well as academic needs, and through clarification of their own beliefs, values and goals(Duke 1982). As Duke(1982) acknowledges, problem solving skills are the most corrective skills teachers may possess. Bennett and Smilanich (1994) suggest a "bump system" as an effective problem prevention mechanism. This is when teachers deal with different problems first with a low-level, followed by a higher level response(as misbehavior becomes more frequent or severe). The "bump system" establishes perimeters that are fair and equitable. A teacher must provide consistent yet flexible, appropriate, and meaningful consequences to specific behaviors. If teachers acknowledge that every situation is different then they will treat that offence fairly(spady 1990). The first level of the bump system is a low level response to a student who creates a problem that a teacher does not consider severe. Kameenui & Darch (1995) explain to ignore low-level disruptive behavior is one way to deal with the problem. This cannot, however be used on every pupil. Therefore, eye contact directed towards that student or a simple stroll near the proximity of that student might also prevent the problem from occurring more often. Teachers use individual bump systems with differing levels of severity. As the students behavior worsens the teacher may send a student down to the principal's

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