Teacher Basics : Organising your Classroom
Vincent Chian
Driving Innovation in Education | Inspiring the Next Generation | Leading with Passion, Vision, and Excellence in Education
Introduction
Keith, a first-year IB teacher at an international school in Thailand, entered his classroom with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Teaching a culturally diverse group of students was new territory. As the days unfolded, Keith faced challenges that tested his patience and skills. But through reflection, strategy, and a deep commitment to h
is students, he discovered five powerful techniques to create a thriving classroom environment.
Let’s follow Keith’s story, explore his challenges, and uncover how you can apply these proven strategies in your own teaching practice.
1. Establish Predictable Routines: Building Stability Amid Chaos
Keith’s initial challenge was managing the transition periods in his classroom. Students would chatter endlessly between activities, losing precious learning time. Recognizing the need for order, Keith introduced predictable routines. Morning reflections, scheduled transitions, and end-of-day recaps became the backbone of his classroom structure.
By the end of the month, Keith noticed a shift. Students were more focused and self-directed, reducing disruptions and increasing engagement—a result consistent with research showing a 20% rise in engagement when routines are predictable (Marzano, 2003).
Keith’s Reflection: “I realized students crave stability. Routines didn’t just make my life easier; they made the students feel secure.”
Action Tip for Teachers: Start with a simple morning routine, like a question of the day or reflection activity. Use visuals or timers to signal transitions.
2. Set Clear Expectations: Empowering Students to Succeed
In the first week, Keith struggled with unclear boundaries. Students often tested limits, leaving him frustrated. He decided to co-create a “Classroom Agreement” with his students, incorporating their input to define expectations and consequences.
This collaborative approach reduced disruptive behavior by 30% (Simonsen et al., 2012). More importantly, it gave students a sense of ownership and responsibility. Keith also used weekly check-ins to revisit the agreement and ensure it remained relevant.
Keith’s Reflection: “Once I stopped assuming students knew what was expected and started making it explicit, everything changed.”
Action Tip for Teachers: Use visuals like charts or posters to display classroom rules. Reinforce expectations through role-play or scenarios to ensure understanding.
3. Foster Positive Teacher-Student Relationships: The Heart of Engagement
Keith noticed that some students were disengaged and reluctant to participate. Instead of pushing them academically, he took time to understand their interests. For instance, he learned that a student named Arun loved soccer. Keith used this knowledge to create math problems related to soccer stats, instantly engaging Arun.
This personalized approach mirrored findings that strong teacher-student relationships increase motivation by 30% (Roorda et al., 2011). Keith’s students began opening up, feeling seen and valued.
Keith’s Reflection: “Connecting with students on a personal level helped me earn their trust. Once they felt safe, their willingness to engage skyrocketed.”
Action Tip for Teachers: Spend five minutes each day asking students about their interests. Use this information to tailor lessons or interactions.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement: Focusing on Growth, Not Perfection
Initially, Keith focused on correcting misbehavior, which led to resistance from some students. After attending a workshop on positive reinforcement, he introduced a reward system. Students earned points for teamwork, punctuality, and effort. The rewards weren’t grand—extra reading time or choosing a group activity—but they were effective.
Over time, Keith observed a 40% improvement in behavior (Sugai & Simonsen, 2012). Students began holding each other accountable, fostering a collaborative classroom culture.
Keith’s Reflection: “Shifting my focus to what students were doing right, rather than wrong, completely changed the atmosphere in my classroom.”
Action Tip for Teachers: Recognize both individual and group achievements. Simple gestures like stickers, certificates, or verbal praise can make a big impact.
5. Create a Well-Organized Classroom: A Space for Success
Keith’s cluttered classroom initially overwhelmed him and his students. Materials were hard to find, and seating arrangements often caused distractions. Over a weekend, Keith reorganized his space into functional zones—reading, group work, and independent study. He labeled bins and created a calming corner for students who needed a break.
This transformation aligned with studies showing that organized classrooms reduce wasted instructional time by 20% (Evertson & Weinstein, 2013). The clear layout also helped students take responsibility for their learning environment.
Keith’s Reflection: “An organized space isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a sense of purpose and calm.”
Action Tip for Teachers: Dedicate time to declutter and organize. Use student helpers to maintain the system, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
Conclusion: Keith’s Message to Educators
Keith’s first year was a journey of growth. He made mistakes, learned from them, and ultimately created a classroom where students felt safe, respected, and engaged. His advice to fellow educators? Start small, be consistent, and always prioritize relationships.
As you reflect on Keith’s story, consider how these five strategies—predictable routines, clear expectations, positive relationships, reinforcement, and organization—can transform your classroom. Every step you take toward a safe and respectful environment is a step toward your students’ success.
Call to Action: Which strategy will you try first? Share your thoughts and experiences with fellow educators to inspire collaboration and growth.
Key Statistics to Support Your Practice
Works Cited