Why classroom management is your friend...

The new ideas Mentors are discussing with MTPs are very different from the teaching methodologies of the past. Trying a new game, or a role play, or a group/pair activity can be frustrating if you don't apply the proper classroom management techniques alongside of the new activity! Remember, in most classes in rural schools in Malaysia, a pattern exists. It has been established by previous teachers, and also by choices you have made (and are making) in approaching instruction time.

So how to break the cycle? Below are a few websites and videos which may be useful in determining ways to manage the behavioural issues which can arise when implementing student-centred techniques.

Teaching Ideas - Resources, ideas, tips...it's all there! Challenge: can you take 1 or 2 new ideas from this resource and implement them in your class? Post your success (or struggle) in the comment section below! You may post anonymously....

Top 10 Classroom Management Ideas - a Youtube video that sums up useful ideas for classroom management. 

Classroom Management for Early Learners - a Youtube video highlighting classroom management ideas to implement in kindergarten, but still VERY useful for Years 1 - 3 classes.

New Teacher Survival Guide - a video discussing seven (7) classroom management techniques that assisted a new teacher in the United States. All techniques, with adaptation, are applicable to Malaysian classrooms!

Lack of Motivation Guide - tips for what to do when pupils lack proper motivation for learning. Remember, oftentimes, it begins with you!

As you are making attempts to implement new learning strategies in your classroom, don't forget to consider how classroom management tips and tricks can help transform your class. The name of the game is to never give up, have confidence in yourself in trying new things, and take authority over the classroom in a way that understands that they are just children, after all. Good luck!