Classroom Engagement and Management

In order to achieve success, students need structure, guidance, and support; this will help ensure they are the most successful individuals they can be. Student success stems from student engagement, this refers to the level of interest and participation a student gains from their learning environment and the academic content presented to them. Student engagement is a key factor in determining student motivation. “Compared to less engaged peers, engaged students demonstrate more effort, experience more positive emotions and pay more attention in the classroom (Fredricks, Blumenfeld, & Paris, 2004).” (Tammy L. Stephens (June, 06, 2016) Teachers play a vital role in the engagement and motivation of students, making consistency, and teacher enjoyment and confidence very important. To be effective educators must relate to their audience, this includes educating themselves on their student’s interests, and background. When students can relate to the topic at hand, they are much more likely to actively participate and to remain focused. Ideally, teachers will focus on creating an engaging environment for their students that will diminish negative behavior, welcome student input, and teach students what is expected of them, and will provide them with insight on how they can become better individuals. This is done by encouraging traits such as responsibility, accountability, reliability, integrity, independence, and so many more useful characteristics that play a major role in becoming successful human beings. By educating students on how to be polite, prepared, and informed listeners you are providing them with skills they can use for the future. 

In my future classroom, I plan to focus my efforts on creating a welcoming and inviting learning environment where everyone feels comfortable with one another. When this occurs, then successful learning is easier to reach. Similar to Harry Wong’s Effective Classroom management model, I intend to greet each and every one of my students at the door with a smile on my face. I will then ensure that my classroom is clean, stocked, and prepared for efficient learning every single day. My expectations will be posted and students will know what is expected of them. My students will be well aware of our class schedule and they will always be welcomed with a morning activity that gets their brain working! Consistency and effective communication are key. As stated in the Love and Logic management system, I will approach every situation with an open, nonjudgmental mind and will calmly and logically listen to my student’s side of the situation, I will inquire about why the situation occurred, and will introduce students with questions as to how they can problem solve and fix the issue. In my opinion, students strive with structure and they want to know their boundaries. When boundaries are clear and consistent, students are more apt to follow them. A well- rounded life is so important for maintaining success in its entirety. This includes living a positive life, full of appropriate decisions, goals, and motivation. Students tend to do better academically, emotionally, and mentally when they are supported, understood, and healthy; as stated in the PBIS management model.