The Key to Classroom Management, Research Paper Example

This paper provides thoughts and reflections on the article ” The key to classroom management” by Robert J. Marzano and Jana S Marzano; reflecting on junior education ( grades, 4,5 and 6). 

The authors inform us about the value of research carried out in classroom teaching.  In particular the importance of providing effective class management.  An important aspect of the research focus upon the dynamics of classroom management.  For example, the action of the teacher must outline the clear consequences for what is deemed as unacceptable behaviour in the classroom. Further, how the student will be rewarded for positive or acceptable behaviour in the classroom. Manzano pointed out that those teachers with strong pupil relationships experienced 31% fewer discipline problems than other teachers who were more alienated in their student or classroom relationships.

The authors focus upon the importance of dominance in the classroom and the ability of the teacher to take command and control of the classroom setting.  Students in grades 4 to 7 stated they preferred an environment where the teacher provides a clear academic guidance and purpose regarding student behaviour in the classroom.  The teacher’s best achieve the dominance by two approaches: [1] establishing clear rules and procedures and [2] providing details of consequences for unacceptable behaviour.  The teacher also established better student relationships by setting clear learning goals and a sense of academic direction.  It was considered that the adoption and use of rubrics plays an important part here.

It is also considered that the teachers can demonstrate more assertive behaviour in other words maintain an erect posture in the classroom, as when confronting an offending student, thus demonstrating body language that shows dominance of the situation.  There is also the need to develop a strong sense of communication in the classroom, thus providing more interactive dynamics getting students to interact with one another and accept the teacher s an integral part of the learning group. One of the important components is the establishment of flexible learning goals, the concept of providing students with choices as opposed to fixed learning goals.

A number of students researched illustrated that they suffer from mental, emotional or behavioural disorders and as such would be classified as special needs students. It was estimated that some 18% of students fall into this category and that most learning institutions to not have the necessary intervention or treatment policies to cater for this need.

I believe that the article demonstrates a number of key points regarding the classroom teaching of those in Junior Education (9-11 year olds). The importance of setting out the ground rules in a clear and unambiguous fashion. The need to be inclusive and at the same time retain a degree of empathy and flexibility towards the students needs. In most cases it would seem that the troublesome person is in the minority, such people normally have characteristics of bullies and as such can be dealt with by firm disciplinary procedures. This is necessary if you are to avoid further disruption spreading into the class and the situation deteriorating further.  The penalties for unacceptable behaviour have to be clearly identified and enforced to those who insist on breaching same. Communication is a vital component to any teaching strategy. It is essential to define clear learning goals and gain the co-operation of the students in achieving these targets. A strategy needs to be formulated for special needs students and a plan to both help and support same without disrupting progress of the more advanced or brighter students.