What Is Classroom Management?

One male student has been shouting out answers. A female student, who likes to chat with any student who sits next to her, has decided to speak louder after Mr. King asked her to stop talking over him. Another student just walks out of class because she wants to check out a library book. 

Mr. King is known in his building as a teacher who has a great relationship with his students’ parents. His principal is pleased with his engagement within the school community, but his classroom management needs to improve. When the subject comes up during his observation, he’s not quite sure what she means.

Classroom Management Definition

What is classroom management? Classroom management is a series of strategies used to help  keep the learning environment organized, focused, safe, and engaged during an instructional period. The purpose of implementing classroom management strategies is to enhance prosocial behavior and increase student academic engagement.

Goals of Classroom Management

Acquiring effective classroom management strategies minimizes instructional distractions and reinforces acceptable social structures. If an educator takes the steps of preparing, implementing, and consistently enforcing a management or discipline plan, students will know what is expected of them and be able to adapt to multiple styles and rules.

In other words, when there are just too many distractions, like those presented in Mr. King’s scenario, it may be hard for other students to concentrate on the lesson. Moreover, the constant distractions impact the instructional delivery of the lesson.

It’s normal for novice teachers to have some challenges with classroom management. It’s to be expected; however, there are a few things that can be done to help learn how to make the learning environment more conducive to student success.

Here are five goals of effective classroom management.

Classroom Wellbeing

Classroom management drives classroom well-being. This means that the teacher is the captain of the ship. The captain manages the safety, care, and well-being of the classroom. Establishing rules, consequences, and classroom rewards are key to preventing a mutiny!

Instructional Efficacy

Classroom management drives instruction. If the rules and routines are firmly established, then teaching can take place. There are fewer distractions to impact the learning environment. Students are able to spend more time on a task; meaning, they are able to collaborate on projects or to concentrate on independent activities without being bothered by other students or distractions.

Affirming Classrooms

Classroom management drives affirming classroom settings. The teacher is able to cultivate encouraging, supporting, engaging, and nurturing learning environments that celebrate every students’ strengths, culture, and emotional development. When teachers incorporate student interest into the curriculum, the students become active participants and more invested in what they are learning.

Authentic Relationships

Classroom management models drive authentic relationships. When everyone in class values each other and the teacher, the relationships evolve organically. The bonds of sincere friendship and mutual respect model the rules and structures of society. 

Real-World Learning

Classroom management drives the groundwork for the real world. By utilizing collaborative groups, infusing critical thinking strategies, and modeling effective communication skills, teachers are preparing students to transfer these soft skills into their future workforce environments.

Effective Classroom Management

Effective classroom management examples work across almost all subject areas and grade levels. For Mr. King, by practicing classroom management strategies on a consistent basis, his students will emerge with the necessary life skills required for their success. With his new classroom techniques, his instruction will promote a more culturally affirming and engaging learning environment. 

If your looking to improve your classroom management but would like a more specific grade level focus you can check out kindergarten classroom management, elementary classroom management, middle school classroom management, high school classroom management, or further your research with our list of classroom management articles, classroom management rules, and our guide for incorporating pbis and classroom management.