Elementary Classroom Curriculum, Classroom Management Plan - Research Paper Example

?Elementary room Curriculum: room Management Plan to be implemented in 3rd grade room room management is often implemented by educators in various ways and even utilizes different methods in order to effectively enhance students learning process. In fact, classroom management is constantly changing and evolving because students are intellectually diverse in nature. And this means that they are socially, culturally, emotionally, and even physically different from one another. There is no so-called “the best” classroom management because the procedures and techniques vary for different students in different situations. Hence, classroom management should not only address the needs of the majority but rather the whole class including the needs of the non-majority groups or more challenging students such as the gifted, talented, special children, among others. It is in this context that classroom management is broadly defined as the ability to plan, control and facilitate interaction in the classroom that is appropriate to the activity and promotes learning and takes into account different needs and abilities of learners and demonstrates an awareness of equal opportunities and diversity issues. And it is also intricately linked to classroom or academic discipline which promotes positive impact on learning. Since, this classroom management plan is specifically focused and intended for the 3rd grade; the procedures or methods of learning as well as the disciplining should be in conform to their level of understanding and development. Research-proven practice in classroom management There are various classroom practices found to improve classroom management. And these could include the following: Classroom Rules and Procedures: In order to have an effective classroom management, the teacher his/her students should design and implement a set of classroom rules and procedures. This is very essential in every classroom because it serves as a guideline on how the students behave inside the classroom. But, according to Marzano, et., al (2003),to effectively employ the sets of rules and procedures it is highly recommended to only have 5-8 sets for the elementary level. Therefore, the teacher should choose the most appropriate rules and procedures she/he wants to employ with his/her students. And these must address one or more of the following categories: general classroom behaviors; beginning and ending the class day or the period; transitions and interruptions; materials and equipment; group work; and seat work and teacher-led activities. And this should be determined and discussed during the first day of classes so that students would know their limitations and expectations, thereby minimizing the disruptive behaviors. And it should be posted in the classroom bulletin board or any corner accessible for the students to read anytime. It should be written in a positive way so that students are reminded of what they can do in the classroom, rather than what they can’t do. The classroom procedures should also be practiced and implemented by the teacher so that the students would make it a routine and this would help the flow of the day smoothly. The parents should also be given a copy so that they are aware of these rules and procedures and the consequences of their children’s conduct (Charles, 1999). Disciplinary Intervention: Teachers are often facing various behavioral problems inside the classroom. And it is therefore necessary for him/her to master the art of disciplining. Since, the teacher is dealing with 3rd grade; he/she should employ disciplinary techniques which will promote positive behavior. This could be done by applying several approaches. And one of which is the behavioral modification approach such as the use of positive reinforcement. This disciplinary technique motivates the students to behave appropriately by giving a reward. The reward is not necessary a material thing. For example, the teacher could post in the class bulletin the “most behave student of the month,” or he/she can praise or recognize his /her student’s exemplary behavior. However, the praise should not be overdone so that it will not adversely affect the other students. The teacher could also apply the socioemotional-climate approach which means disciplining the child through counseling or giving some sort of advice in way he/she understands the situation. The teacher should not punish the student; instead he/she should talk base on the situation, and not to the personality and character of the student. The teacher should also show concern by helping the student to solve his/her problem. The teacher should also avoid confronting the student in front of his/her classmates. Motivation: It is said that a teacher is effective when his/her students learn what he/she teaches. And according to the study conducted by Oliver, et.al (2011) the effective way to motivate students to learn is to actively engage them in observable ways and involve them in the learning process. And as a teacher it is you responsibility to make sure that your student would be able to learn, understand and at the same time enjoy the learning process. For instance, you could motivate them to learn by incorporating games, materials or other techniques. Addressing non-majority groups Occasionally, teachers had students who belong to the so-called non-majority groups which include the gifted and talented, special children, or students with distruptive behaviors such as bullying. And as the agent of learning, the teacher should know what to do in order to facilitate learning and able to meet them according to their abilities, needs and interest. And there are several ways in order to address this concerns which summarized as follows: Evaluatethe child’s unique ducational needs: At the start of classes, the teacher should review the student’s profile in order to identify his/her unique educational needs as well his/her abilities, strenghts and weaknesses. If the student has visual or auditory challenges, the teacher should purposely design a teaching technique in which he/she can cope with his/he regular students. But, if the student is gifted and talented modify their learning process by allowing them to do project-based instruction, by seting a rapid pace of instruction , etc. Select appropriate instructional practices: Determine which instructional practices will meet and fit with their academic needs. In case of the gifted child, the teacher could provide as often as possible a modified assignment with him/her. The teacher should also work closely with their parents so that they can determine and provide their specific needs and enhance their learning development. Likwise, in the case of the special child, the teacher must accept the student’s limitations and instead help him/her to overcome their disabilities. The teachev should also understand their specific dissabilities and required accomodations. As the facilitator of learning, the teacher should also give his/her best in teaching special needs students. Hence, the teacher must continue to educate himself in order to improve his/her way especially in dealing and handling these kinds of students (Manage Diversity in your Classroom, 2011). Theorist used for Classroom management Frederic Jones theory will be used in the class since it is easy to follow as well as easy to apply. This theory is focused on maximizing learning through maintaining a well-managed classroom so that time for disciplining will be eliminated or reduced. Discipline on this theory could include body language, facial expression and eye contact with the students. And it also recognizes the importance of rewarding whenever the students behave accordingly. The Jacob Kounin theory is also considered because it emphasizes the importance of a teacher to be well prepared with his/her lesson. And a teacher that is prepared could manifest one or more of the following: able to interact with all his/he students, he/she could be able to move around the classroom and to be able to teach different lessons without abrupt changes. Lastly, is the Linda Albert theory, it because this theory recognized the significance of parent-teacher-student involvement in class. And this can be achieved by keeping the parents well informed about the activities, behaviors, achievements and etc. of the students. And in return, the parents would be able to be aware and respond immediately with their children’s need and concerns. References. Charles, C.M. (1999). Building classroom discipline. New York: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc. Lopez, R.M. (2002). Classroom Management Plan: Classroom Management in the Elementary School Marzano, R.J., Marzano, J.S. and Pickering, D. (2003). Classroom management that works: research- based strategies for every teacher. ASCD Inc., 5th edition. pp.143 Thompson, J.G. (2007). Manage Diversity in your Classroom. First Year Teacher's Survival Guide: Ready-To-Use Strategies, Tools & Activities for Meeting the Challenges of Each School Day , 2nd Edition. Jossey Bass. Oliver, R.M. Wehby, J.H. and Reschly, D.J (2005). Teacher classroom management practices: effects on disruptive or aggressive student behavior. Leadership and Teacher Development Branch   Read More