Effective Classroom Management
Advanced planning, organization, preparation, creativity, flexibility and solid content knowledge are all necessary to challenge students and let them know what is expected of them.
By Bradley J. Ware, Ph.D., and C. Lévesque Ware, Ph.D.
Effective classroom management is possible when strategies that facilitate learning and reduce disciplinary problems are implemented. Solutions that can positively contribute to reaching this goal include: preparing a well-thought-out syllabus that carefully delineates student accountability; using a system of evaluation that de-emphasizes individual grading; and including course work that is both relevant and challenging.
The Course Syllabus
A syllabus is a document that explains a course in detail. It provides students with precise information concerning what must be done to successfully complete a course. An organized syllabus sets the tone of the course and relays that the instructor is prepared and in control. A good syllabus clearly spells out the instructor’s expectations and should therefore be presented on the first day of class. When reviewing the syllabus with students it is important to make sure that they understand the rationale behind each rule, regulation and policy, and the reasons why these are critical to the overall success of the lab/class. A well-worded, clear syllabus can greatly reduce the occurrence of disciplinary problems.
De-emphasizing Individual Grades
In most colleges and university courses, instructors use quizzes, midterms and final exams as their primary evaluative criteria. Unfortunately, individual graded exams often cause fear and anxiety among students and create a competitive atmosphere that divides excellent students and marginal students. Using hybrid forms of these instruments can reduce test anxiety and provide greater opportunities for student success. A midterm or final exam might include a section that contains essay questions that are prepared at home prior to the in-class portion of the exam. “Take home” exams allow students to plan, prepare and organize their essays in advance, reducing the pressure of time constraints. The inclusion of a collection of essays from which students select a predetermined number and develop these is another option. Students might be asked to select and develop three essays from the five presented.