Chapter 10 outline; Classroom Management: Creating Productive Learning

Environments

What Is a Productive Learning Environment?

A productive learning environment is a classroom that is orderly and focused on
learning. The emotional climate is positive, and all the routines are designed to
maximize learning for every student. Classroom Management is Important because
orderly classrooms communicate to parents, school leaders, and the public at large, that
schools and teachers are in charge and know what theyre doing. Classroom
management is also important because a strong link exists between orderly classrooms
and student learning and motivation. The goals of classroom management include
creating a positive classroom climate, developing a community of learners, promoting
learner responsibility, and maximizing time and opportunities for learning.

Creating A Productive Learning Environment

Teachers who create productive learning environments care about their students
as people and are committed to their learning. Teachers who create productive learning
environments teach effectively; they create learning activities in which students are
actively involved and successful in lessons. Teachers in productive learning
environments are well organized. They have their materials ready; they begin classes on
time; they make transitions quickly and smoothly, and they have well-established
routines. Planning for classroom management involves considering the developmental
characteristics of students and creating a clear and comprehensive system of
procedures and rules.

Involving Parents
Students whose parents are involved in their education have better attitudes
toward school, learn more, and are more likely to cooperate in class and do their
homework. Teachers who encourage parental involvement also feel more positive about
teaching and their school, and they have higher expectations for parents. Teachers can
involve parents by sending samples of students work home, emphasizing student
accomplishments, and contacting parents by phone or e-mail.
Intervening When Misbehavior Occurs
Effective interventions are designed to stop misbehavior quickly and efficiently,
maintain the flow of instruction, and help students learn from the intervention. Teachers
who intervene effectively avoid loud, public, demeaning interventions and help maintain
students emotional safety. Teachers who intervene effectively demonstrate withitness,
and understanding of whats going on at all times in their classrooms, and overlapping,
the ability to deal with two issues at once. Teachers who intervene effectively are
consistent in their interventions, follow through to ensure compliance, keep their verbal
and nonverbal communication congruent, and apply logical consequences when
consequences are necessary. Serious management problems, although rare, can occur
in classrooms, and teachers are required by law to intervene in cases of fighting and
scuffling. Effective teachers in urban environments are caring and supportive, establish
clear standards for behavior, provide structure in their classrooms, and use effective
instruction to complement their classroom management.