I would rank Capizzi’s key areas of classroom management in the following order: structure, classroom layout, routines, maintaining and monitoring behavior, rules, and classroom décor. Structure is the most important factor in achieving effective classroom management because it determines how the classroom activities will be run throughout the day. I would prefer low structured classrooms to enhance teacher-student engagement, leading to involvement of learners in classroom activities. Classroom layout is also essential in classroom management because it influences children’s learning outcomes (Weingarden et al, 2015). The way furniture is laid out affects the behavior, mental state and comfort of learners during lessons. If the classroom is chaotic, learners will be easily distracted and lack concentration during classroom activities. Routines are also important because they allow learners to know what to expect and prepare adequately for the class. Maintaining and monitoring behavior is also important as it ensures that learners have developed good attitudes and are ready to learn at all times. Rules and classroom décor are the least important elements in a classroom environment where learning is the primary objective.
Second Answer
The key areas of an effective classroom management are all important; but structure stands out as the most important because it influences the direction of all classroom activities, content, and layout. A structured classroom allows the teacher to use authority and control classroom activities effectively to achieve the educational goals of the learners (Capizzi, 2009). The other key elements of an effective classroom management in order of importance are: routine, maintaining and monitoring behavior, rules, and classroom décor. The last two elements, rules and classroom décor, are necessary for successful classroom learning, but they do not contribute as much as the first three elements in terms of benefits to learners. Routine is important, especially for young learners because it allows them to develop a positive habit and get used to the same learning environment to enhance effective management of the classroom. Maintaining and monitoring behavior also ensures that the teacher influences positive learning behavior among learners.
Peer Response 1
I agree that structure is the leading element among the six areas of effective classroom managers because a good structure guides processes, activities, and content delivery in the classroom. In fact, structure gives the teacher an opportunity to make proper plan and deliver relevant content at the right time using appropriate strategies (Capizzi, 2009). However, I disagree on the argument that rules come before maintaining and monitoring behavior. I believe that maintaining a positive learning behavior is more important than following rules because rules are likely to cause bureaucracies and focus on processes rather than behavior. The learners’ behavior in the classroom comes before rules because how the learners behave will influence their learning. If the teacher is able to manage the learners’ behavior effectively, it will be easier to maintain the rules.
Peer Response 2
I agree that the classroom may not run properly without a structure. The classroom structure promotes an effective learning environment because it influences the classroom set up to support effective teaching and learning processes. The learning outcomes of students are largely influenced by how the students are seated, content is delivered, and classroom activities are organized. Nonetheless, I disagree on the idea that rules are ranked ahead of maintaining and monitoring behavior. The teacher should monitor and maintaining positive behaviors in the classroom to enable learners follow appropriate approaches to learning rather than being restricted by rules.
References
Capizzi, A.M. (2009). Start the Year off Right: Designing and Evaluating a Supportive Classroom Management Plan. Focus on Exceptional Children, 42(3), 1-12.
Weingarden, M., Armas, T., Dogancay, D., " Hughes, J. (2015). Classroom management. Thousand Oaks, California, United States: SAGE Publications.
