Classroom Leadership/Management and Differentiation
Although we humans resist being managed, we are amenable to becoming part of an endeavour we perceive to be meaningful and beneficial
“Let’s work together to create a place where learning works for all of us”, is far more compelling invitation for most learners than “Please sit still and participate only upon invitation”?
This provides a respectful, optimistic, growth mind-set orientated way for a teacher to work with students to create an environment that balances structure and flexibility to accommodate all kinds of learners.
The processes necessary for ‘flexible order” in the classroom include the following:
- Arranging the classroom so materials that students need are easily accessible
- Giving directions for tasks in which not all students will do the same work
- Keeping conversational noise at a reasonable level when students work together
- Providing ways for students to get help when the teacher is working with individuals or small groups
- Providing guidelines for what a student should do (and how) when an assigned task is completed
- Sharing expectations for moving around the classroom
- Ensuring that students know how and when to help peers who need assistance
- Ensuring that students know where to put completed work (soft and hard copies)
- Having expectations for keeping materials and supplies in order