Efficient classroom management in 2023: which strategies?

The main goal of this course was to make the participants reflect on what it means to have a supportive classroom and how to create a positive climate for the students. It was possible for them to imagine what would the perfect classroom look like for them and how they would create it. In this course they learned the main skills revolving around effective classroom management and were given the tools to create a supportive environment for their students.

​These were the main topics discussed in the new edition of the course “Effective Classroom Management Strategies for teachers and education staff​” that took place in Tenerife from 18/06/2023 to 24/06/2023. The participants came from all over Europe, with Patricia and Janna from the Gymanasium Munster in Germany. We also had two participants coming from France in Lycée Suger, Camilla and Marina from Université Paris Nanterre. Last but not least, we had Tamara from Grundschule Sarnthein, and Chiara and Alessandra from IC Margherita Hack, in Italy. 

​During the course three major factors of Classroom Management emerged as critically important in shaping a supportive climate for students. First, engagement: the class should have a strong network of relationships, promoting respect for diversity and school participation. The second factor discussed was safety because the class should be a safe place, both emotionally and physically. Lastly, the environment is essential: the class should be a happy place, transmitting peace and calm, promoting dialogue and understanding.

First, they learned about Social Emotional Learning, the capacity of individuals to recognize their own and other people's emotions, to discriminate between different feelings and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior. This specific skill is essential in creating a more tolerant and supportive atmosphere.

​Then, group dynamics were explored. Taking care of the group dynamics present in the classroom is a crucial element in ensuring a tension-free atmosphere that encourages students’ participation and also avoids school drop-out.  In order to be more inclusive, the group later performed an activity to approach various aspects of diversity that was called “learning stations”: in each station, one of the diversity topics was discussed in a different way. 

The participants later focused on communication, especially investigating the difference between fixed and growth mindset. After being put to test and challenged on the assumptions they had about their own mindsets, the group analyzed the characteristics of what is called “growth mindset” and put their knowledge to practice by doing some group exercises.  

​Later, the topic of “Flipped Classroom” was presented. In a combination of theory and practice, the participants tested some ICT tools that could be beneficial and helpful in managing a Flipped Classroom, in order to make the management of their classes extremely efficient and effective. 

Finally, conflict management was discussed. After exploring their own perceptions and preconceptions, the participants gained insights on how conflicts can also be extremely beneficial if managed in the right way. They learned the different types of personalities that you can encounter when facing conflict and how to approach them individually.

The group at the end of this week was equipped with a lot of tools and strategies that can be implemented either as they were explored during the course or with a twist suitable to the situation of each classroom.

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More info on this course here.