5 Myths of Classroom Management

Classroom management is a way to create structure for students to successfully operate in the learning space. The strategies teachers use are in efforts to create a positive and productive learning environment. Some aspects include building relationships, clear expectations, routines and procedures, and positive reinforcement. The goal for implementing a strong system is that it creates increased student engagement, learning outcomes, school climate and social/emotional development.

This post will bust 5 myths in regards to classroom management as well as share additional resources to be successful in the classroom.

Myth #1:

Classroom management is the same as behavior management

False. Classroom management manages the space for the people, not to manage people for the space. We cannot control people. However, we can control the environment for learning (ie. lighting, sound, transition routes, material access and utility, etc.). When the systems are in place it makes it more difficult for undesired behaviors to crop up.

Myth #2:

Classroom management is something you do one time

False. Classroom management is executed all day, every day. If you plan a system or routine and explain it to students it most likely iwll not be effective. Even if you add the element of practice during your role out of expectations, it most likely will not be effective. Managing a classroom requires expectations, rationale for expectations, practice, feedback, and the opportunity for revision when necessary. This occurs every day to ensure the classroom management plan is personalize for the learners operating in the space.

Myth #3:

Classroom management is often where the root of the problem resides

False. Although classroom management reveals problems and makes them more obvious, in order to solve the problem at the root of the issue you must go back to lesson design. How you plan to prevent misunderstandings and misbehaviors (lesson design) impacts how you react in the moment when those things pop up (classroom management).

Myth #4:

There is a simple fix to solving classroom management issues

False. It’s a complicated web of interwoven aspects that affect one another. Attacking classroom management issues with the 3 R’s (relationships, routines and roping students in) is a recipe for success. Build relationships with students so they know they can make mistakes, make amends, and start over fresh. Having established routines in the classroom provides structure and predictability for how to operate in the space. Roping students in with interesting content (or atleast delivering boring content in an interesting way) keeps misbehaviors at bay.

Myth #5:

Classroom management systems work best when they change often

False. Keep it simple and keep it consistent. Students need to know what is expected of them. Reusing systems across subject areas brings familiarity and decreases anxiety of the unknown. If you switch up expectations and begin to manage the classroom differently each day, misbehaviors and misunderstandings take over.

Additional Resources

• Blog Posts
  • Classroom Management: How to Plan & Prepare a System
  • Classroom Management: Moving Beyond Compliance
  • 5 Ways to Reinvent your Classroom Management Strategy
  • 3 Ways to Improve Classroom Management Practices
  • Crack the Classroom Management Code
  • Virtual Classroom Management
• Podcast Episodes
  • 47: Nuts & Bolts of Effective Classroom Management
  • 127: Classroom Management like PB & J
  • Clubhouse Bonus: Coaching with a Classroom Management Lens
• Book
  • Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success

    Want more support? Browse our full collection of printable and digital tools. You can also read more helpful posts on the blog.

    GO BE GEAT! 

    

     

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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