Robert Marzano , co-founder and CEO of Research Laboratory in Denver, Colorado, published an article in the October issue of Education Leadership titled “Classroom Management: Who’s Job is It?” that examines the responsibility of classroom management. He suggests that teachers, administrators and students all have an important role in successful classroom management. Marzano states that, “research as well as common sense clearly demonstrates the importance of shared responsibility”.
A key goal for all is to have common standards that create an environment that is conducive to learning. Marzano doesn’t just assign responsibilities; he also offers some concrete action steps for all three stakeholders.
Teachers set high expectations and action steps to facilitate student success.
Intellectually:
· Clear learning goals are communicated.
· The teacher’s expectation is that all students will accomplish great things academically.
· Challenging instruction
· Assessments that provide feedback
· Effective feedback that supports growth
Behaviorally:
· Each student feels valued and liked by the teacher.
· Rules and procedures are established at the beginning of the year.
· Procedures are utilized as the basis of expected behaviors.
· Rules and procedures are monitored and updated as needed.
· Procedures and rules are reinforced, reminders are given if not followed and a “thank you” when rules and procedures are followed.
Administrators set the tone for student behavior and a safe orderly environment.
· School-wide behavioral expectations are articulated and implemented with fidelity.
· Monitor adherence to the clearly defined rules and procedures in hall, parking lots and at extracurricular activities.
· Set and implement guidelines that ensure safe respectful behaviors toward teachers and other students.
· Articulate that teachers should not feel an expectation (real or perceived) to handle aggressive and potentially behaviors on their own
Students must have a role in classroom management.
· Engage in designing rules and procedures school-wide or in individual classrooms (Students on the other hand can only participate in this process if invited.)
· Support enforcement of the rules and procedures.
Poor classroom management makes student learning difficult. A clear understanding of the high stakes correlation between effective classroom management and student achievement more than justifies the time and effort of the Teacher- Administrator-Student team approach.
Marzano, Robert J. “Classroom Management, Whose Job Is It?” Educational Leadership, October 2011 Vol.69 No.2, pg. 85-86
If you want to learn more about Robert Marzano’s work, most SPS libraries have copies of his books Classroom Instruction that Works, and The Art and Science of Teaching. You can also visit www.marzanoresearch.com