If you are like my family, you love science fiction stories. In just about every one that takes place in space there will at some point be a problem with the structural integrity of the ship or station. When the structural integrity of anything out in space begins to fail, then people really begin to panic. Why? Because without structural integrity, everything falls apart and the entire mission is compromised. The same is true for a classroom. The correct balance of structure within the classroom setting is vital to the overall success of the mission of learning.
Let's first define structure. According to Miriam Webster online, one of the definitions of structure is: “something arranged in a definite pattern of organization.” This means that our classroom needs to have a pattern of organization, but that does not mean that this structure has to be the same as everyone else's. When you are told that your classroom needs structure, you need to find the organizational pattern that works for you and your students and allows for learning to take place. Let's look at what that means.
When looking at the structure of your classroom, you will need to first establish a good relationship with your students (Johnson, 2016). This is the most crucial step in ensuring that you are able to maintain structural integrity. A working relationship based on mutual respect and trust will help smooth many bumps along the way. This will also help you know and meet the needs of your students.
As you get to know your students, you also need to let them get to know you. Now, understand that I am not telling you to give them your entire life story. Just help them understand you and hopefully begin to trust you. As this happens you can help them see how learning is to happen in your classroom (Johnson, 2016). Do you believe in the more inquiry style of learning where they ask questions and explore for answers with your help? Do you feel that they should be able to learn through listening to yourself and others? Help your students understand how learning and teaching looks in your classroom. This helps shape their understanding of what structure means.
Establish guidelines for behavior expectations, and the consequences both good and bad that go with those guidelines. When students understand what happens when expectations are met, and when they are not met, they are better able to stay within the structural integrity field, aka your system of classroom management. Just remember, as you get to know your students you may need to balance ideas with what they need from you. As I have talked about in previous posts (A Student's Perspective, Let Them Think They are Driving, etc.), students need to feel like they have a voice that is heard in your classroom.
This is going to be a never ending cycle each year, sometimes each class period. You will have to balance your ideas and needs with what your students need. This may seem daunting, but it will help your mission be a success, as you explore the strange new worlds...
References:
Johnson, B. (2016, September 2). The 5 priorities of classroom management. Edutopia. Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/5-priorities-classroom-management-ben-johnson.
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Structure. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved September 24, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/structure.
Comments