Reflection of “Rethinking Classroom Management”

This will be a reflection of the article entitled “Rethinking Classroom Management”, by Theresa Zanatta.

In my opinion, one of the most important ideas in this article is the interrelated areas that we need to consider in the teaching and learning management: the organizational, the curriculum and the social.

In the first one, it talks about how to elaborate the rules in class and the importance of having an order in a classroom, it doesn't mean that children are quiet and in silence, it is understood as students are following the program of action needed for a particular classroom event to take place in the situation. Rules should be the result of a negotiation between the teacher and pupils. That would be a good way to use language to interact.

The second one involves the curriculum issues as the importance to create powerful tasks that enable children to think critically, to solve problems, to give them the opportunity to become creative, innovative, to respond positively to opportunities, challenges, etc. And another very important is to engage ALL pupils giving them the opportunity for learning and for recognition.

Also, it is very important that these powerful tasks could be done in individual learning as well as for cooperative work because a good combination of both will define a good way of teaching.

And the last one, social issues include the affective side of learning like respect, recognition, inclusion, self-esteem, roles and responsibilities, etc. To achieve these aspects is crucial to create a good climate in the classroom because students learn more and better if they are in a safe, secure and comfortable class.  

As a conclusion, we have to bear in mind that it is very important to think about the three areas of teaching and learning management in an interrelated way and aiming at the same goals. Also, it is necessary to reflect and make decisions in every area for a successful teaching and learning process.

To finish, a quote from Albert Einstein that defines my main goal as a teacher:

“I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn”.