In this practical classroom-focused course students will critically evaluate and apply the principles, perspectives and practices of various classroom management models as well as the interactive aspects of teaching and learning in classrooms. Students will research, critically analyze, reflect upon, and further develop useful skills and knowledge of theories and practical strategies for effective classroom management and communication. Students will also consider how these classroom management and communications strategies impact on teaching and learning effectiveness in classrooms. During class discussions and assessment tasks students will plan ways of applying research-informed principles of effective social dynamics of the classroom to their own professional practice contexts in order to promote well-managed classrooms that support effective teaching and learning. The course will support students develop innovative strategies for preventing and/or reducing classroom and behaviour management problems. Real practical case studies from peer-observations and own teaching practice will be critically analyzed and discussed. Through making clear links between research, theory and practice, students will be able to self-evaluate their own classroom management practices to optimize the effectiveness of teaching and learning in classrooms they teach.
Week 1
Introduction and course orientation Classroom Dynamics
Required Readings
Recommended Readings
Week 2
Theories and Practices of classroom management: Analysis, critique, effect on teaching and learning effectiveness
Required Readings:
Recommended Reading:
Week 3
Teacher’s impact on the social ecology of teaching and learning
Teacher interpersonal communication in the classroom The importance of body language in the classroom Required Readings:
Recommended Readings:
Week 4
Creating a safe positive climate and environment in diverse classroom contexts
Required Readings:
Recommended Reading:
Week 5
Establishing classroom rules and routines
Required Readings:
Week 6
Preventing problem behaviors I: Enhancing motivation
Required Readings:
Reccommended Readings:
Group Critical Synthesis Paper Due
Week 7
Preventing problem behaviors II: Increasing Active Engagement
Required Reading:
Recommended Reading:
Week 8
Group Presentations of the Critical Synthesis Report
Week 9
Understanding and decreasing common problem behavior in the classroom I
Required Reading:
Recommended Reading:
Week 10
Understanding and decreasing common problem behavior in the classroom: Case Studies
Required Reading:
Recommended Reading:
Critical Analysis of Case Study Paper Due
Week 11
Barriers to Implementing Classroom Management and Behavior Support Plans: Case Studies Recommendations to Overcome the Barriers
Required Reading: