Effective teaching is grounded in the development of successful classroom strategies. Among the skills required of an effective elementary school teacher are classroom management, planning and assessment of students. This paper will review a selection of literature on the three skills mentioned above.
Although all the three skills cited are essential to effective teaching, effectual management of a classroom is perhaps the most challenging task facing a teacher since learning outcomes are dependent on how effectively the teacher manages the classroom environment. In ôPrinciples of Effective Teaching,ö published by the Massachusetts Department of Education, the point is stressed that the effective teacher must create an environment that is positive for student learning and involvement. Establishing a classroom procedure that maintains a high level of studentsÆ time-on-task and that ensures smooth transitions from one activity to another is essential.
The Florida Department of Education argues that effective decisions in classroom management should be based on a clear concept of the goals and outcomes that a teacher wants to accomplish. Strategies to achieve this include organization of the classroom as well as rules and procedures, effective communication and monitoring student behavior. Gazin (1990) also stresses the importance of setting rules from the start, and explaining to students why they should abide by the rules.
Rominger, Heisinger & Eklin (2001) advise beginning teachers that classroom management is critical to success because without procedures and routines, teachers will spend their time ôputting out fires instead of teachingö (221). The authors stress that consistency is crucial to effective classroom management. They also recommend feedback discussion as an important strategy to get students involved and enthusiastic.
Classroom and curriculum planning is another area that can involve students as ac...