The importance of classroom management

Fr Ho first asked all present what their understanding of the phrase “Classroom Management” was.

Sep 21, 2017

PETALING JAYA: More than 100 Catechists and RE (Religious Education) Coordinators from various parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur gathered at the Assumption Church on September 9 to attend a Formation on “Classroom Management” organised by the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese Catechetical Commission (KLACC) and presented by the Ecclesiastical Assistant, Fr Alvin Ho, SJ.

Fr Ho first asked all present what their understanding of the phrase “Classroom Management” was. Many responses were given, including disciplining the students, preparing clear lesson plans and positive two-way communication between teacher and student. Fr Ho then explained that Classroom Management is the process by which teachers and schools create and maintain appropriate behaviour of students in classroom settings. The purpose is to enhance prosocial behaviour and increase student academic engagement. However, he stressed that more intensive programmes may be needed by some students.

Fr Ho encouraged the Catechists to establish and sustain an orderly environment in the classroom. Some methods of doing this would be to treat all students equally and consistently and to use technology by creating interesting material (especially for the younger students). He also suggested that students not be given homework but that their class time should be utilised to the fullest.

In order to prevent future discipline problems and to deal with current ones, Catechists should set Class Rules at the beginning of the year and make sure that these rules are strictly adhered to by the students, the parents and the Catechists. A Catechist must “walk the talk” before expecting the same from their students.

Another tool that Catechists can use is “Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)”. Catechists should not use negative words such as “Do not do…” but, instead, use positive terms like “I would like you to do…”. Students should also play a role in developing what is expected of them so that they can be involved in the process and are invested in the classroom environment.

Fr Ho continued with recommendations for the Catechists to set and follow basic classroom management principles and also reminded the Catechists that their success is in their students’ “Spiritual Growth”.

The first thing that a Catechist should do is to introduce themselves to the class by writing their name on the board so that the students can clearly identify them. Students should learn from Level 1 onwards that everything they learn in class is focused on Jesus Christ as the Malaysian Catechetical Series (MCS) is very Christo-centric. The more the students learn about Jesus Christ, the more they will grow in their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Rules, procedures and routines should be developed from the beginning. Students should also be informed of tasks/activities ahead of time so that they can adequately prepare, participate and contribute effectively.

The Catechists’ job is also to train their students to be leaders, both for the Church and also the Civil Service. Catechists should plan class activities that encourage their students to develop leadership skills. Camps should also be organised for all levels so that potential leaders can be identified and nurtured. Every student has the potential to be a Priest, a Religious or a Church/Civil Service leader provided they receive the proper instructions from a young age.--By Genevieve Bois

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