In the modern classroom, the teacher is expected to use a variety of teaching pedagogues each day to cater for the different learning styles of students. However, regardless of the pedagogue used, the teacher would like to maintain a disciplined classroom, dedicated to learning. In years past, if a teacher wandered away from a teacher-led lesson (for example, a chalk and conversation lesson), students often took it as a signal to relax and not take the lesson seriously.
To overcome this attitude of the students, the teacher can configure the lessons in a way that keeps the students’ learning on the right track by placing themselves in the best position in the classroom. Here are some simple ideas to help the inexperienced teacher maintain classroom discipline in a variety of teaching situations.
Initially, most teachers will use a lecture or teacher-led lesson. This is often called a “chalk and talk” lesson. This is the best way to use this type of lesson. You must teach from the front corners of the classroom. If you are right-handed, use the left-hand corner board as the class sees it and the right-hand side if you write left-handed. This means that your body does not get in the way of class. You can see most of the class in your peripheral vision. With a step back and a half turn, he quickly has the entire class in sight. You can use your left / right arm as a pointer in this position while looking at the class and still seeing all of your students.
In a spoken / verbal lesson, moving around the class randomly will help students stay alert and focused. You can make sure that the textbooks are open and that they are focused on what you are doing.
For lessons in subjects such as History or English, you may want to engage the class in a group discussion. Here it is a good idea to rearrange the classroom furniture into a hollow square. If you lead the discussion, you can sit in the center of the hollow square but behind the front seat line where you can see all the students and the students can see you or whoever is speaking to the group. You can also use this approach, when students deliver reports while you sit behind the hollow square, able to evaluate the report and observe the student audience easily. In this way the students cannot see you without moving their body.
When the class is in work mode, that is, doing fixed work, you can take the position in the front corner of the room to get the best view of the class.
Alternatively, circulating around the class will add an additional dimension to a disciplined environment, as well as greater application to student work. You can also answer questions and see more easily those who are struggling to complete the task and are ready to help.
Standing behind the class adds another arrow to your bow because the class is never quite sure where you are. Standing behind or next to a lazy student lets him know that you are aware of his lack of effort. Ask them if they have problems and help them if necessary.
The use of various forms of technology can also create problems. Screens and projectors are often used to enhance teaching. Here it is important to place the screen where all students can easily see it. Then you must be aware of where you are. Putting the teaching screen in the corner allows you to stand next to it, facing the class, and you can use a pointer if necessary. An alternative is to place a pop-up screen in the center of the board and stand at the back of the room using a laser pointer to point and discuss the items you want students to write down. This approach limits the use of the plate.
Often you will use the screen in a computer room to demonstrate a new piece of software. Here it is important to have a hands-off policy. It may initially mean that the software package is not being accessed. The same is true for teaching students to use a new application with a graphing calculator.
With videos and the like, the screen in the center of the board is the best position for students while you remain in the back of the room and can see all of your students.
Inexperienced teachers tend to make a big mistake early in their career. They often tend to stand in the center of the front of the room. Standing in the center of the room near the front desks can create vision problems. Blind spots occur in the front right and left corners and, to a lesser extent, in the two rear corners. That’s where rioters and lazy students often sit if you don’t have a seating plan.
Students will often lose their instructions. Therefore, always write clearly the class assignment on the opposite side of the board for all to see as you give your directions.
Anything you want on the board permanently should also be written on the opposite side of the board, preferably high up on the board in the corner farthest from where you write. Clear instructions will help ensure a disciplined classroom with students on task the majority of the time.
