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This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned:
Classroom ManagementFor this final assignment I have chosen to focus on classroom management as it is a vital component to a successful class. According to Harry K. Wong & Rosemary T. Wong, ?classroom management refers to all of the things that a teacher does to organize students, space, time, and materials so that student learning can take place? (2005, p. 84). Once everything is organized it is equally important to let the students know what is expected of them. Without organization and positive expectations students will feel uncomfortable and confused.
Some of the things a teacher may need to prepare before class are the floor space, work area, student area, wall space, bookcases, teacher area, teaching materials, and his/herself (Harry K. Wong & Rosemary T. Wong, 2005). While these things can be works in progress and can change throughout the year it is important to have the classroom ready prior to first day of class to create a comfortable, nurturing atmosphere. Once the classroom is prepared the teacher is ready to welcome his/her students.
During the first few days of school the teacher should go over the expectations and procedures so the students understand what is expected of them and have been given time to practice the procedures (i.e. putting books away, going to the bathroom). In an EFL classroom it is especially important to use gestures and pictures to help students understand an activity. Consistency, simple language, and demonstrations can really help learners feel grasp the instructions and feel comfortable in the classroom.
Each classroom must have a discipline plan that every student must obey. ?To have a safe and effective learning environment, first establish firm rules that students are expected to follow? (Harry K. Wong & Rosemary T. Wong, 2005, p. 143). It is important to set limits and control the classroom to create a secure and friendly environment. While it is imperative to act immediately the teacher should also try to continue the lesson for the other students. In my classroom we had a ?star? system (positive consequences) and an ?x? system (negative consequences) when the student obeyed or broke the rules. I think it is good to reward and penalize not just one or the other.
Once the teacher gets to know the students he/she may want to group them in certain ways depending on the activity. For example, the teacher may want to pair stronger/weaker students together or change the arrangement of the desks. The teacher may change his/her position in the classroom when the lessons vary. Individual attention is necessary but shouldn?t been consuming all of the teacher?s attention. In an EFL classroom it is important to have a balance between teacher talking time and student talking time.
I believe one of the most important aspects of classroom management is establishing rapport between the teacher and the students. If everyone respects one another and feels comfortable in the classroom everyone is more likely to put forth their best efforts and contribute to the lessons. There are many ways to create rapport with students ? respect, praise, take an interest in each individual, have students work together, encourage teamwork, ask students for their opinions, have fun and enjoy your job!
