Standard 5: Application of Content
Artifact: Classroom Management Case Study
When in a classroom, academic proficiency and progress are not the only aspects of a child that need attention. Although academic success through learning the core subjects is important, the way behavior is dealt with and managed has the same gravity. A student is successful only when placed in the proper environment; an environment that provides a sense of safety, comfort, consistency, and structure. The way in which a classroom is managed has great effects on the student’s academic performance, therefore the first step in guiding the student towards success is setting up a classroom management plan. For this artifact, a case study reflecting the experience of a secondary teacher that is struggling with classroom management was analyzed. In this analysis the major points of struggle were identified and connected to the struggles in the classroom, looking for ways it is seen in their behavior and academics. Based on the ways her current strategies affected the class; a multitude of strategies were suggested based off information taken from class and outside research. Using this information, a management plan was formulated to be carried out in the classroom. This connects to Teaching Standard 5, Application of Content, as it provides an application of theoretical concepts to a real-life scenario. Classroom management is different depending on the classroom and the ways in which the methods appear will look very different in every single classroom. In writing a classroom management plan, it gives the teacher and the students all the tools needed to be successful. When a student doesn’t feel safe in the classroom, their brain is in survival mode and only focuses on ways to prevent any distress from occurring. The safety and consistency of a management plan allows the student to relax, in turn the student is able to fully take in and process the information being taught. This plan engages the student behaviorally, opening their minds to academic success.
When in a classroom, it is easy to focus on providing the academic tools needed to help the students succeed, but academics is only half the battle. Creating an inclusive classroom culture provides the basis on which students build their knowledge that they will carry with them for a lifetime. A behavioral issue in the classroom has the potential to derail a whole class, leaving them to fall behind in content. Academics and behavioral management set the standard for the classroom; it sets the standard that needs to be followed and truly gives students all the resources needed to reach their highest potential. As a teacher it is important to keep this in mind because issues with management have effects on the academic success of their students and challenges with academics have an effect on the classroom behaviors. Each works collaboratively to ensure student success; when one isn’t effective the other suffers. As a teacher it is my goal to utilize a classroom management plan to create an orderly, consistent, and safe environment that allows students to fully utilize their brain to its capacity. When a student struggles, I will look past academics to see whether it is purely academic or if it’s an issue in classroom management that needs improvement. This assignment has broadened my perspective on the work that goes into running a classroom and helped me understand the true role of a teacher. The role of a teacher is not only to teach academics, but to ensure that students reach and know their true potential. A classroom management plan is a great first step in unleashing a class’s true potential.
