One important strategy for classroom management is to project assertiveness, making it clear that the teacher is the authority in the room. This doesn’t mean being harsh but rather setting firm expectations and following through. During my observation at Banneker Elementary School, I noticed how the teacher’s assertive tone conveyed that she expected students to listen and follow directions, which fostered respect and minimized disruptions. I can use this approach in my own classroom by communicating instructions confidently and showing that I am in control. This will help students understand the structure of the classroom and make them more likely to follow instructions and participate.
While observing at Banneker Elementary School, I learned the value of timers and alarms in keeping the class organized and on schedule. Setting alarms for transitions, discussions, or reminders allowed my assigned teacher to structure the day effectively and prevent any one activity from taking too long. Using timers during discussions also helped keep the class on task and ensured all parts of the lesson received adequate attention. Incorporating timers into my own classroom could help me stay on track, especially when balancing various tasks and subjects. This strategy not only helps with time management but also instills a sense of routine for students, so they know what to expect and when transitions are happening.
Encouraging a growth mindset can empower students to approach challenges with resilience and optimism. My assigned teacher used a poster to remind students of the differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and she often guided students to reframe their language from “I can’t” to “I can’t do this yet.” This approach helped students view learning as a process rather than a fixed ability. I can adopt this strategy by reinforcing growth-oriented language in my own classroom and helping students to see mistakes as learning opportunities. This can build a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable tackling difficult tasks and are motivated to improve.
One effective strategy I observed was the use of auditory cues to regain students’ attention. My assigned teacher would say “Holy moly,” to which the students would respond “Guacamole,” refocusing their attention on her. This interactive cue gave students a clear signal to pause, listen, and transition without any sense of tension. I can implement similar auditory cues in my future classroom to create smooth transitions and make it enjoyable for students to refocus. This technique helps with classroom management by establishing clear, engaging signals for transition moments, reducing the need to repeat instructions or raise my voice.
Reward systems, like the Class Dojo points my assigned teacher used, can significantly boost students’ motivation and engagement. Every time students heard a “ping” indicating points were awarded, it encouraged them to work harder and strive for positive behavior. Such systems give students an incentive to stay engaged, contributing to a positive learning environment. I can use a similar reward-based system in my classroom to reinforce positive actions and encourage active participation. When used effectively, reward systems create a fun and productive classroom where students understand that their efforts are recognized and appreciated.