Classroom management

Classroom management involves a teacher’s use of strategies for maintaining order in the classroom that are implemented during classroom-wide, small group, and individual instruction. It is more efficient and beneficial to implement strategies as part of an established structure such a school-wide management system or framework.

Good behaviour and classroom management enhance good academic teaching and student engagement. It is important to understand the complexity of the association between academic and social behaviour success because, while they are mutually enhancing, they both need to be taught.

Student problem behaviour is also one of the mostly reported sources of stress and burnout among teachers, and is sometimes a cause of teacher attrition. There is a growing body of evidence to demonstrate the impact of positive student behaviour and effective classroom management on student engagement and academic achievement. There are also a number of specific classroom management approaches and strategies whose effectiveness has been demonstrated by research.

• Evidence-based practices, systems to support implementation, and data to guide decision making are core elements of effective classroom management. Effective classroom management systems that consists of dynamic teaching, relationship building, and positive social behaviour help to make students feel safe and connected to the school environment. Relying on reactive, consequence-oriented practices creates a negative climate, which can result in lower educational expectations and higher rates of problem behaviour. However, students who experience preventive behaviour support are more likely to be comfortable in school, academically engaged, and benefit from academic instruction. 

• How can I select and implement evidence-informed classroom practices to support appropriate behaviour and reduce problem behaviour?
• How can I use data to identify and clearly define problem behaviours?
• How can I monitor and evaluate progress toward achieving a practical and effective classroom management system that meets the needs of all students?
• Does my school have a behaviour management policy or framework that guides expectations across all classrooms?