Management Philosophy

Effective classroom managers do not just base their management solely off of personal preference. Instead, they combine experience with a strong understanding of psychological theory to determine their classroom arrangement, discipline approach, role of classroom rules, and overall atmosphere and climate. The classroom arrangement is based on the understanding of how children learn whether they are individually constructing their own knowledge or constructing it using collaboration. Children need to be arranged in collaborative groups. The approach to discipline is affected by the psychology behind behavior modification. Educators need to create a system of reinforcement. Whether it be “pulling cards” or creating a token economy. A focus on reinforcement is more effective than simply taking away recess. Physical activity helps enhance student learning, so taking away recess will actually cause the opposite effect of what is needed.

The role of the classroom rules, procedures, and expectations is to ensure that all students treat each other with respect, feel physically and psychologically safe, and do not hinder optimal learning. The classroom expectations should be created with all three of these aspects in mind. By creating expectations that ensure that every student is respected, feels safe, and is not hindered from learning, a warm, open, respectful overall atmosphere is created. It is important to have this atmosphere in the classroom so children understand that their opinions matter. The students need to feel comfortable and be in an engaging atmosphere. By creating an engaging atmosphere, the children are not only able to understand and remember information better, but to also enjoy learning more.