Going into my first practicum my guiding question for inquiry was observing strategies and technqiues used for classroom managed. 

Through observation I have learned that effecting classroom management techniques and strategies involves establishing clear expectations and rules for behavior, and using effective communication and discipline techniques to ensure that students are engaged and focused on learning.

Effective classroom management involves several key components, including:

  1. Establishing clear expectations: Teachers should clearly communicate their expectations for student behavior and participation, and ensure that students understand what is expected of them.
  2. Building positive relationships: Teachers should strive to build positive relationships with their students, creating a safe and welcoming learning environment.
  3. Using effective communication: Teachers should use clear and effective communication techniques to ensure that students understand what is expected of them, and to provide feedback on their progress.
  4. Managing time effectively: Teachers should use their time in the classroom efficiently, balancing instruction time with independent work and group activities.
  5. Implementing discipline strategies: Teachers should have a clear plan for addressing disruptive behavior, and use a variety of discipline strategies to encourage positive behavior and discourage negative behavior.

By implementing effective classroom management strategies, teachers can create a positive and engaging learning environment that promotes student achievement and success.Classroom management is important because it helps to create a positive and productive learning environment in which students can thrive academically and socially. Effective classroom management ensures that students are engaged in learning, and that disruptive behavior is minimized. 

Classroom management aids in creating a positive safe learning environment. When students feel comfortable and supported in the classroom, they are more likely to participate and take risks in their learning.

Fast forward to the end of my third and final practicum:
Reflecting back on my initial though on effective classroom management strategy the most prominent strategy that I have used and developed is developing relationships and connections with my students. My main focus in classroom management was laying the foundation for deep and meaningful connection with each one my students. These relationships aid in my classroom management strategies because I have the relationship and mutual respect with each individual student. I know what works and doesn’t work for them. What may work with students may not with another. Building connection has allowed me to create an environment where my students feel save to take risks, challenge themselves, and even be a silly all while being respectful of the classroom rules. My classroom environment is a safe and comfortable environment where my students feel open to be who they are.

Humour is a major part of my personality, I have found iI quickly can make connection with my students through my humour. When students feel safe and comfortable to joke around and be themselves it creates a classroom community where everyone is connected. I love being able to be silly and joke around with my students and by developing good relationships I can also differentiate and make it clear to the students the times when it is okay to be silly and goof around but also understand the times when they need to be for focused and task orientated.

From the beginning of my first practicum to the end of my third one, classroom management doesn’t feel like this scary entity. Instead it feel almost second nature, it not something that you can pre plan once you know and make connections with your students the classroom management comes easier. Your students will tell you what they need to thrive in a classroom environment, you just have to take the time to listen and understand what they need. Every student is unique and therefor every connection with your student will be unique. Classroom management is not a one size fits all approach every class and student will be different.