Classroom Management Tips From an Experienced Teacher

  These tips will make your life much easier. 

  1. Deadlines - when you set a deadline for something, keep to it.  However, consider each student's challenges case-by-case to determine if an extension should be provided.  Health, family, social issues may all impede a student's ability to meet a deadline.

  2. Assignments - before assigning a paper or project, give it some thought as to what you expect for an outcome. Consider how the students will interpret the directions. If the expectations are not stated concisely, you will get all sorts of arguments afterwards.

  3. Grading - this takes time, so schedule it so that the process doesn’t become overwhelming. Students want timely feedback, via a grade or suggestions. It is a not a good idea to make papers or projects due at the same time that you have to do end of marking period grades.

  4. Discipline - if you tell a class that you are taking something away from them, such as a fun activity, video, etc. for discipline, don’t feel sorry for them later and reinstate the loss.  Sometimes there are underlying issues if discipline is a concern.  Be introspective, and mindful of what lies below the disciplinary transgressions taking place. 

  5. Organization - prior to a hands-on activity, a lab, or even a classroom lesson, be sure to have all necessary items handy and organized. Plastic zipper bags, plastic shoe boxes, and envelopes are great ways to bundle materials so that they can be easily distributed to students. They will appreciate that.

  6. Cognizant - be aware of the students in your classroom, know what they are doing, especially when group work is involved, notice if your classroom door opens, students will try to sneak out or even others will try to sneak in.