I interviewed a teacher who has been working at the school for eleven years. She first started as an assistant, and then took the role as lead teacher in the primary classroom for 3 to 6 year old children. She has her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, and she is, also, certified as a Montessori early childhood teacher. She is very soft spoken, calm, patient, and dedicated to a positive learning environment for her students. She strives to meet the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs of her students, and she respectively takes the time to observe her students' learning habits and personal characteristics so she can offer them the proper learning materials. I find her classroom management approach to be one that respects the students' behavior. She does not view misbehavior "a student is hitting because he is bad" instead, she would say "hmmm…I wonder why does he feel the need to hit another person, is the student working on his communication skills and learning how to express and communicate with peers." After conducting this interview, she sees there is a reason for students "acting out" and "misbehaving", and she has the patience to observe and find the reason for the students' behavior so she can resolve the students need to hit and replace it with skills to communicate better. I enjoyed interviewing her and getting her insight on how to maintain a positive classroom environment. I agree with her when she explains that is is necessary to stay calm when witnessing undesirable behavior in the classroom so the situation does not escalate, to take the time to explain the misbehavior that was witnessed and give clear expectations of what is expected of the student, and it is vital that "the adult must be the role model". To further explain the teacher is key to demonstrating and modeling how to speak, move, work, and communicate within the classroom.
Interview on Classroom Management:
When the behavior starts effecting another students' ability to concentrate on their work it is time to step in with more than a reminder.
2. How long do you use a method before determining if it works or not?
If there is no change in the behavior and there is no positive response to the method, then it is time to reconsider. A child needs time for a method to become part of their own skills.
3. How do you stop and correct a behavior without disturbing the entire class?
To stop a behavior with any child, it is important to go directly to the child and make eye contact. The adult needs to bend down to the child's level, and address the child calmly with a firm tone, state the behavior that was observed, and state positively what is expected of the child. An example "you are running…for your safety you need to walk."
4. When is it necessary to reach out for additional help? And from where?
It is necessary to reach out when previous methods have failed, and the child is incapable of working independently. Help can come from another teacher, the parent, or the administration.
5. How do you approach students who are disturbing others from learning?
The teacher did not provide an answer for this question. "I feel that this question will receive the same response as question number 3."
6. What types of methods do you use to redirect students to positive behaviors so they are getting their full learning experience?
It depends on the type of behavior being observed and the work the child has chosen. If the child is missing a material, they are asked to put it away and try again tomorrow. If the child is frustrated with their work, then the child may benefit from a water break or some moral support from an adult. When a child has not made a work choice, it may help if the adult helps with some work choices.
7. What are 3 rules/guidelines that you find are important for maintaining a positive learning experience?
To maintain a positive work environment, the adult must be the role model. It is important to be calm even when the child or the situation is overwhelming. The adults in the classroom should move and speak slowly; it helps maintain a clam and positive environment. Using positive language helps the children understand the adults expectations.
Why do you think it is important to establish effective rules for classroom management?
Children need a safe positive environment in order to learn effectively. Rules need to be established and consistently managed for the children to build trust with the adult and the environment.
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