Classroom Management

I observed the class of a first year middle school Chinese teacher about a week ago. The 6th graders were enthusiastic and eager to share their presentations. They were engaged in learning and worked well in groups, but as 6th graders they were sometimes noisy and off-task.

The teacher was very calm and had several different techniques for bringing the students back to order. Her voice carried above the classroom noise but she never showed emotion (anger, dismay, etc.) as she settled the kids back down.

This teacher did so well because:
1- She circulated among the students and knew what each one was working on.

2- She has learned several different techniques that the kids respond to, and she uses these techniques over and over. Some examples:

Off-topic statement by student: "Hold it, you can tell me later."

Transitions were clear and she prepared the students well:
"We have one more minute, one more minute"
"10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 三，二，一“

When a dispute arose among students about who said what line, the teacher calmly said "Okay, I will check it" and moved on to the next activity.

3- She uses these techniques professionally and in a matter-of-fact way. She didn't allow the students to upset her or take their disruptions personally.

It was a job well done!