A Structured Classroom Is A Successful Classroom

Answer :

A Structured Classroom is a Successful Classroom-Final

Behavioral and Individual Differences (Liberty University)

EDUC 350: Behavior and Individual Differences

Achieving success and progress in the classroom starts with the prioritization ofclassroom management. Proper classroom management systems are crucial to effective learningbecause students learn best in a safe and orderly environment. A well-maintained classroomenvironment facilitates the student's growth and improvement of social and academic skills.More specifically, the elementary age is a crucial learning period in a child's life as they build thefoundation for their knowledge and academic skills. Both teachers and students play a role inproducing a well-managed classroom. One can create a well-organized, structured, andsuccessful classroom with safe and improved social techniques.When one hears classroom management, one often thinks of discipline towards a studentfor their behavior in the classroom. While this is true, classroom management involves so muchmore. The teacher and students each play a part in classroom management. Teachers must leadand motivate students to trust, cooperate, be attentive, and learn because a good teacher-studentrelationship can prevent disruptions (Scherzinger, 2019). This relationship is necessary for ateacher to provide a structured, effective learning environment. "Empirical studies show thatteachers who feel confident in their abilities to manage classrooms report fewer classroomdisturbances" (Lazarides, 2020). Structure in the class, especially at the elementary age, is arequirement for effective learning. Children need and seek structure. This structure leads tolearned, solid study habits that will help students succeed and prepare them for the future.

The worldwide lockdown during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic had animmeasurable, long-term impact on the education of our school-aged children. Duringelementary school, children learn about themselves, what they enjoy, what motivates them, andhow they control their emotions to behave and react in different situations. Children react andbehave differently based on their home environment and influences. Some children are moreinsecure about their looks, clothes, or academic success than others. Virtual learning onlyshielded these issues behind a screen, leaving them unaddressed. Teachers must also consider themany differences between the two genders. For example, boys are more physically active thangirls during elementary age; therefore, tight restrictions on physical movement are more difficultfor boys than girls. A teacher must remember that kids being back with their friends after beingunable to spend five days a week with them has caused them to be more hyper and active.Just as classroom management plays a prominent role in a student's success andmotivation, it plays a massive role for the teacher. Not only is an unorganized classroom
challenging for a student to enjoy, but it is also highly stressful for a teacher. On top of theessential classroom organization, teachers must now take extra health and wellness precautions.Ensuring every child's desk is wiped off regularly throughout the day, placing hand sanitizerthroughout the room for easy access, and enforcing the wearing of masks as needed are alladditional responsibilities of the teacher. Like any job, enjoying and being productive is moreaccessible in a well-structured environment than in a chaotic one. A teacher's job can beoverwhelming as they deal daily with different personalities, emotions, and COVID-19guidelines." Teachers with highly developed classroom management skills may obtain betteracademic and social results and may reverse the 'burnout cascade' to the benefit of themselvesand their pupils" (Hayes, 2018).

On the upside, with every problem, there is most likely a mirage of helpful tips orsolutions available. The difficulty often comes in administering these solutions safely anduniformly. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions have been placed on schools that manythought would never happen. Social distancing, virtual classrooms, and parent and visitorrestrictions have placed roadblocks in classroom management. As mentioned before, everystudent is unique, having different strengths and weaknesses. A teacher's job is to invest in theirstudents by learning about their behaviors toward different circumstances and what strategieswill motivate them to be attentive and on their best behavior. The overall mission for allChristians is to tell others about Christ and help others see Christ in us. Teaching children why itis important to be nice to their classmates, follow the rules, and project the best behavior reflectswho Christ is. Following the COVID-19 guidelines has been a stumbling block in achieving this
mission because of the time investment in non-educational tasks.Building a classroom community is key to a successfully structured group of children. Ifstudents are to function comfortably and effectively in such a classroom system, the teacher mustwork with them to establish flexible classroom routines (Sousa, 2018). Teachers must considerseveral ideas and tools, especially when starting a new school year. For starters, classroomagreements set the foundation of the room. Young children are very energetic; for many, it is hardnot to talk and to leave others alone. Creating a list of agreements as important reminders of howone should act in the classroom positively impacts the community. An agreement could be as simple as understanding that everyone should get their turn to speak, giving each other quiet timeto work, or spacing out to let everyone have a safe-spaced area. Another idea that could bebeneficial is the agreement to treat others with kindness and consideration. This idea could be the
answer to peer conflicts.

Secondly, classroom jobs are an excellent way for students to feel useful in class.Elementary-aged children take pride when assigned an extraordinary job. Providing studentswith jobs such as door holder, pencil sharpener, or room janitor gives them a sense of a routine,which helps them become independent and comfortable in their environment. The shyest kids inclass will gain confidence and social encouragement through something as simple as a classroomjob. After holding a job for extended periods, students gain the confidence to do their very best attheir jobs. The assignment of student jobs can be COVID-friendly by allowing children to dotheir jobs at different times and having them sanitize the work area.Lastly, daily class meetings are a great way to transition, such as coming back from lunch
or recess (Kinstler, 2022). These times of the day can be the most challenging as students haveplenty of energy and struggle to settle back down. After these activities, children may experience
playground conflicts or lunch drama. Simple classroom meetings that are teacher-led can be thesolution to this issue. During this time, the teacher models respectful and productive ways to
address social problems and give positive and constructive feedback. Regular conflict resolutionsessions will lead students to learn to solve their problems while learning leadership skills.
Helping them see how their teachers handle issues during conflict, and difficult circumstancesencourages and teaches them.Each of these three techniques plays a role in classroom management. While everyclassroom experiences its' challenges, a suitably structured classroom is possible and necessaryregardless of age. Adjustments may be required throughout the year as effectiveness is measured
and techniques adapted while learning what works best within each unique classroom. Just as aChristian should live a rule-following, structured life, the same applies to the classroom. 

 "Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will notdepart from it" (KJV 1611). This verse rings true not only for parents but also for teachers in theclassroom. If children are held to a standard and taught the importance of their behavior, theywill carry that standard throughout their lives, no matter the circumstance.