I would define classroom management as system of mutual understanding and responsibility that is primarily implemented and maintained by the instructor. When a classroom is successfully managed, it becomes an environment that promotes growth, mitigates harm, and provides an equal opportunity for learning. The teacher is responsible for managing class time and student’s behavior so that is productive and safe space for all. In regard to behavior modifications, I think less of disciplinary actions and more about patience, understanding, and the critical consideration of how a teacher can protect their students’ physical, emotional, and cultural needs.

A classroom community is a group individuals that respect and value each other while working towards a common goal. The community operates in- and beyond the physical confines of school and consists of students, parents, and teachers. Most importantly, the classroom community is a place that is safe, inclusive, and supportive.

The aspect that concerns me about classroom management is knowing the appropriate response to a student when they are having a tough time. I want to learn more techniques to diffuse tense situations and preserve relationships because I don’t want to be a teacher who defaults to sending kids to the office.

I think it’s important to consider that adolescents are humans that exist outside of the classroom. They have individual needs, interests, and challenging situations that they don’t always inform the teacher about. I also think it is important to consider that you were once a developing adolescent who (probably) made some questionable decisions while in school. Consider the effect you can have on a student’s relationship with school by treating outbursts with grace and compassion, instead of taking disciplinary action.

Classroom management consists of many tools and techniques that can be broken into different categories i.e. methods, strategies, and scaffolding techniques. Classroom management depends on strong organizational skills, similar to ones used by Managers. Adaption lessons to be more/less engaging and having tools to use when lessons go off track and how to bring students back as a whole is very important. Building Equity, respect, and having a common ground for how others are treating in/outside the classroom needs to addressed in the “Course/Class Agreements.”

Connection and reflection are important in a classroom community. Connections between students, student to student, student to teacher, and vice versa. It is Portland to have time for students to reflect on their work (both inside/outside) of the classroom. It can be challenging for students to reflect on work while in class, which is why it is important to have some time for reflection while in class. Being online, sometimes the content, and get ahead because of the amount of information and it is important to go at a steady pace to provide equity for all learners.

Understanding of group direct within an online classroom vs in-person classroom. Ensuring that information from students and teachers is school appropriate. Sometimes this line can be crossed and it is important to address things that occur, even if it is after the fact. Humanizing oneself can important for students to understand that teachers make mistakes too and are not always “perfect.”

Boundaries, level of honesty, age + maturity level in which your teaching students (content). Understanding the student’s point of view and how the information is coming across. Cultural, religious, and political views of students. It is very important to understand where students are coming from and reading body language, especially while online. Also in homework assignments, it is important to be though when grading/view because these may be underlying issues (abuse, family issues, lack of food, safe home environment, behavior health/suicide) 

re-Statement:

When I think of classroom management I think of both how the classroom is set up (the environment), as well as how it is run — what the protocols are for daily activities, conversations, etc. It is important to create a safe, inclusive, and helpful classroom environment for students to feel welcome. As for how we might manage the classroom, it’s important that there are community agreements, guidelines, clear instructions, etc. so that students can feel a sense of consistency, structure, and routine. That can also help with their sense of safety in the classroom. 

Everything. I think it’s important to remember that while adolescents may not be “fully developed” they can still, and often do, form developed thoughts, ideas, values, and contributions. Our students are human beings, and are capable of a lot. I think it’s important to take on the role of their equal, and not attach any superiority complexes. 

What does classroom community mean to you?
Classroom community is similar to any other community, when students feel like they are represented in classroom and their voices are heard they will be more likely to participate. Classroom community is something that needs to be built at the beginning of the school year and reinforced throughout the year. A classroom with a poor sense of community could be likely to have less honest, respectful discussion and students may be less willing to take risks if they do not feel like they will be supported by their peers and the teacher.

What areas of classroom management concern you?
I am worried about being able to create a space where students can be vulnerable and authentic in the artwork that they make, as well as being held accountable to the assignments that are given to them. I am worried about finding that balance where students feel supported and validated while still pushing them to grow outside of their comfort zone.

What is important to consider when teaching adolescents?
I think that it is important to remember that adolescents are at an emotionally turbulent age, where they are beginning to deal with more adult responsibilities and consequences, yet are still mostly viewed and treated like children. I think it is crucial to remember that, at times, their hormones and emotions are going to get the better of them and they will make mistakes and act like idiots. Just because a student is acting like they don't care doesn't mean that they are a lost cause.

Classroom management stems from creating a trusting relationship with your students. This would allow you to collaborate and create a set of expectations for classroom behavior. 

What does classroom community mean to you?

Classroom community is being able to establish a safe learning environment for all students. Students will find ways to encourage each other, provide support where needed, be able to have fun with each other, and understand the content together.

What areas of classroom management concern you?

My biggest concern in the virtual classroom is engagement. It has proven to be a very delicate balance of encouraging students to have their cameras on and display engagement while allowing them the right to choose if they feel safe in the space to do so. In person, I worry about making authentic connections with students and showing that I am truly there to help in any way possible and understand each of their stories.

What is important to consider when teaching adolescents?

I think the biggest thing to keep in mind is that they’re going through so many different developmental stages at once. Their entire world is changing, they are in this “in between” as they transition from elementary to high school, not always sure where their place is. Patience and understanding is really key to success.

I would define my classroom management as being inclusive, open and respectful of all groups of students.   I will always take the extra step in order for my students to have a fair and equal learning opportunities. 

What does classroom community mean to you?

Building a diverse group of the community that reflects different identifies in the community that promotes community engagement and advocacy.

What areas of classroom management concern you?

Helping students that are on the fringes. Students that have had consistent trouble with school concern me because I want to be the teacher who helps them turn it around.

What is important to consider when teaching adolescents?

There is nothing wrong with children instead there are circumstances that changes the children. Not what's wrong but what happened?