Classroom management is the foundation of effective teaching and an essential skill for every educator. Yet, over 40% of teachers report feeling unprepared to handle behavioral challenges in the classroom — an especially troubling statistic considering that 70% of teachers report classroom behavior has suffered in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Goodwin University, our Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher Leadership program prioritizes equipping aspiring and practicing educators with evidence-based strategies for fostering positive, productive, well-managed learning environments.
Here are five go-to classroom management strategies that every aspiring educator should master.
1. Establish clear expectations
From the very first day of school, it’s essential to establish clear and consistent guidelines for both behavior and academic performance. When students understand classroom expectations, their motivation and sense of security improve — enhancing the learning environment for all.
Let’s explore a few tips for fostering a structured learning environment with explicit expectations for performance and behavior.
Create a classroom contract
Creating a simple list of classroom rules is a thing of the past. Today, many teachers prefer establishing a class contract.
This approach not only allows teachers to communicate their expectations but also fosters a sense of responsibility among students, making them more accountable for upholding the agreed-upon standards.
Bonus Tip: To boost student buy-in, have everyone sign the contract.
Consistency is key
Consistency is crucial in effective classroom management. By enforcing rules with fidelity, students understand that expectations are the same for everyone, fostering a sense of fairness in the classroom. Furthermore, when students see that you uphold the rules without exception, they are more likely to respect and follow them.
Visual reminders to keep students on-track
Visual reminders are indispensable for reinforcing classroom expectations. By posting rules and guidelines where they are easily visible, you create constant, subtle cues that help keep students on track.
Over time, this can lead to a more self-regulated classroom where learners are aware of and adhere to the standards without continuous oversight.
2. Implement proactive classroom procedures
Learners tend to perform their best classroom procedures that are predictable. Proactively establishing standard routines helps instructors prevent behavioral issues before they arise.
Let’s glance at some transformative procedures you can implement to support your students.
Dedicate to daily routines
Establishing consistent daily routines promotes a structured and efficient classroom environment. Setting clear procedures for activities like entering the classroom and transitioning between tasks helps students know what to expect and reduces uncertainty.
Avoid giving vague directions
When giving directions for tasks or activities, ensure they are simple, direct, and easy to understand. Providing straightforward instructions minimizes confusion, reduces downtime, and helps students transition efficiently between activities.
Bonus tip: Don’t just verbally share instructions. Provide students with written directions, too. This equips them with a roadmap — reducing potential misunderstandings and supporting multiple learning styles.
3. Develop positive relationships
Many teachers adhere to the mantra, “It doesn’t matter if students like you; it matters if they’re learning and behaving.”
But this mindset overlooks an important truth. While likeability isn’t the ultimate factor in improving student performance and behavior, it plays a significant role. Students are more likely to succeed when they feel supported by their teacher, leading to enhanced learning outcomes.
Here are a few methods for maintaining positive relationships with students of any age.
Get to know your students
It’s crucial to remember that students aren’t just learners — they’re individuals with unique hobbies, passions, and interests. Students feel truly valued when teachers take the time to learn about their interests and backgrounds, deepening trust and mutual respect in the classroom.
Bonus tip: Looking to improve engagement? Try incorporating students’ hobbies and interests into class materials and learning activities.
Make time for routine check-ins
Whether through one-on-one meetings or casual conversations, regular check-ins are a powerful tool for maintaining open lines of communication with your students. These interactions give learners a safe space to express their thoughts, concerns, and achievements, making them feel heard and supported.
Advocate for inclusion
Advocating for diversity and inclusion inspires an environment where all students feel valued. As an educator, celebrate your students’ differences — whether cultural, background-related, or learning styles — by incorporating diverse perspectives into your curriculum.
By fostering an inclusive atmosphere, you enrich the learning experience and empower students to embrace their identities and those of their peers, preparing them to thrive in a diverse world.
Ready to inspire the next generation? At Goodwin, our M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership program equips you with essential strategies for instructional success — preparing you to mold the minds of our future leaders and changemakers. Download your free M.Ed. Get Started Guide and learn more today!
4. Enhance student engagement
Nobody does their best work when they’re bored. The same is true of students. Incorporating various teaching styles develops an engaging classroom environment, keeps students motivated, and improves their learning experience.
To encourage student engagement, try embracing these practices.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up
While routine classroom procedures support student success, the same isn’t true of predictable instructional methods. If you rely too heavily on activities designed with a single teaching method in mind, you risk isolating students who may not benefit from that instructional style.
Moreover, using similar learning exercises in every class leaves students feeling stagnant — increasing instances of disruptive behavior and reducing overall engagement.
Adopt instructional strategies (such as Universal Design for Learning) that embrace different learning styles and support the uniqueness of each and every student. In turn, you’ll foster a positive and productive classroom environment where students are set up for success.
Consider student choice
Offering students options for acquiring knowledge and demonstrating their understanding — whether through projects, presentations, or creative expressions — fosters a sense of autonomy and encourages them to invest in their learning, leading to deeper comprehension and more enthusiasm for the material.
Prioritize real-world applications
Incorporating current events, emerging technologies, and real-world concepts into your instruction can significantly boost student buy-in while encouraging students to take ownership of their learning. By teaching contemporary lessons with practical and tangible applications, you make content all the more meaningful — encouraging eager participation in learning exercises.
5. Utilize positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement can effectively encourage desired behaviors and build a positive classroom climate. By acknowledging and rewarding positive behaviors, teachers can promote a culture of respect and cooperation.
Here are a few techniques to try.
Offer praise and encouragement
Acknowledging learners’ accomplishments, whether big or small, does wonders in boosting student morale. By offering students specific, genuine praise for positive behavior and academic achievements, you invest in their ongoing motivation — making them more likely to continue performing their best.
Bonus tip: When you see students doing their best, reward them with tickets or tokens they can exchange for prizes, extra credit, or other incentives.
Address misbehavior constructively
Inevitably, misbehavior will occur in any classroom. When incidents arise, address them constructively to maintain a positive learning environment.
Meet misbehavior with a calm reaction and a logical, reasonable consequence. Rather than focusing solely on punishment, use restorative practices like mediation and conflict resolution. In doing so, you help students understand the impact of their actions and make amends.
Classroom management starts with you
Effective classroom management isn’t about being strict. It’s about embracing clear expectations and procedures, positive relationships, engaging instruction, and positive reinforcement.
At Goodwin University’s M.Ed. program, we equip future educators with these essential strategies to create supportive and dynamic learning environments. By mastering these techniques, our graduates are prepared to inspire and manage their classrooms with confidence and success.