Best Practices: Classroom Management

Ah, classroom management…the one aspect of the classroom that terrifies most teaching undergrads (or at least this former undergrad). My experience in the traditional classroom makes me think of classroom management as “you better do this right or the kids will never let you live it down.”  Okay, maybe that was a tad dramatic but my point is that classroom management can be tricky for even the most seasoned of teachers in the traditional classroom.  So is it the same in the virtual classroom?  Hardly.

According to “Best Practices in Teaching K-12 Online: Lessons Learned From Michigan School Teachers,” there are two key parts of managing an online class.  Yes, two.  First, the teacher needs to quickly address any inappropriate, disrespectful, or offensive behavior to create a safe online environment for students. (DiPietro et al., 2008).  A traditional teacher would follow the necessary steps if something inappropriate happened in the classroom, and a virtual teacher needs to do the same.

Also, teachers need to pay particular attention to any student that shows signs of undergoing a personal crisis.  Because the virtual teacher can’t see their students everyday and learn their moods and mannerisms, it may be harder to pick up on signs of distress in an online course.  Teachers need to be vigilant in their communication with students and making sure they are safe and to ensure their well-being. (DiPietro et al., 2008).

While these two classroom management practices are of the utmost importance, they are not particularly difficult if a teacher establishes open communication with students and maintains a strong presence in the course forums.  In my opinion, classroom management of an online course can be as simple as that.

Up Next: Assessment…

Resources:

DiPietro, M., Ferdig, R., Black, E., & Preston, M. (n.d.). Best Practices in Teaching K-12 Online: Lessons learned from Michigan Virtual Schools. Blackboard. Retrieved October 13, 2014, from https://blackboard.cmich.edu/webapps/blackboard/execute/content/file?cmd=view&content_id=_3050188_1&course_id=_86186_1