Chapter Eleven

Classroom management without a doubt is essential. Without it, there can be no learning or teaching happening. My philosophy is that respect must be an integral part of classroom management and that it cannot be an environment of respect if the teacher walks into the classroom and states “here are the rules… obey”. I believe that classroom management relies on teamwork and co-operation and these are built upon respect as a foundation. I will set the rules with the class, talking with them about how many societies rely on rules to govern behaviour and make it so expectations in regards to behaviours and responsibilities are fair. The first rule I will suggest to the class is to respect themselves, respect others and respect property. With these covered, I do not really see a need to make redundant rules such as “no hitting” as they are covered. Before this rule is in place though, I would discuss what is meant by the term respect and what it sounds like and looks like. A rule cannot be valid or enforced if it is not understood. With allowing (and encouraging) the student to make their own class rules, I hope to instil in them a sense of ownership and hopefully this will lead them to abide by the rules of their own accord.