CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

By

1. LUH PUTU ELITA MURNIASIH (2012027002)

2. GEDE NOVALDY PRATAMA T. (2012027003)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION

FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND ART

GANESHA UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

SINGARAJA

2020/2021
 CLASSROOM ATMOSPHERE

Managing the classroom is one of the most important parts in successful teaching.
There are many variables to handle, such as the variety of the students, the classroom
setting, the activities for students to do, and not less important is classroom atmosphere.

Bloom (1964), describe classroom atmosphere as influences, conditions, and

stimuli from outside which include physical, social and intellectual influences that affect
students. While, according to Hoy and Miskell (1982), explained classroom atmosphere
as the quality of the classroom environment itself that teachers continually experience,
and are based on collective perceptions of their behavior. But most importantly classroom
atmosphere is a vital component of teaching and learning that helps establish and
maintain relationship between teacher and students, build motivation and confidence
among the learners, and facilitate the processes of teaching and learning. On top of that,
classroom atmosphere is also become a second teacher for students. Normally and in
most of the cases when students first step into a classroom, they will make a judgment
about the type of class they will be attending.

Students will be feeling happy coming to the school, because they imagining of a
comfortable classroom, good and competent teachers, good friends, complete and
supportive teaching facilities. So they will able to think productively, cooperate with their
friends, and able to absorb the information that was delivered to them. On the other hand,
if the students have bad or dirty school environment with a messy classroom, not
competent teacher, etc. will certainly create lazy, bad, and boring impression. As the
result, there will be no sense of enthusiasm to follow the learning process which can
cause to the failure of the learning process itself. Therefore, a conducive class atmosphere
will help students to be discipline, which will lead to students' academic and non-
academic achievement, as well as the class as a whole. A conducive classroom
atmosphere is influenced by two factors, which are physical and non-physical.
Physical Factors

The term physical refers to the overall design and layout of a given classroom and
its learning centers. It means as a teacher we should know what type of atmosphere we
are trying to create? What type of furniture or equipment is necessary to accomplish this
goal? How will we decorate our classroom? How will we arrange students’ desks and
why? Where will we locate our teacher’s desk and why? etc.

The physical factors in creating a good classroom atmosphere includes maintain

the cleanliness of the class, arranging tables and chairs for students, create a reading
corner/classroom library that ensures students to actively read and finding information,
etc. with the goals to create pleasant classroom conditions and can increase enthusiasm
and desire of the students to learn, as well as to maximize the learning opportunities and
the engagement of every child.

In order to create a pleasant and good physical environment in the classroom, there
are some principles that we should considered (Winataputra, 2003: 9.22).
1. Visibility
It means that the placement and arrangement of items in the classroom do not
interfere the students' views. So that students can clearly see the teacher, objects or
activities that are taking place in that time. Same goes with the teacher that must
be able to see all students during the learning activities.
2. Accessibility
Spatial planning should make it easier for students to reach or take any items
needed during the learning process. In addition, the distance between the tables or
seats must be sufficient for students to pass, so that they can move easily and do
not disturb other students.
3. Flexibility
 Classroom items should be easy to arrange and move according to learning
activities. For example, the seating arrangement that needs to be changed if the
learning process uses the discussion method and group work.
4. Convenient
Some factors that can create a convenient or comfort learning environment which
will result in a good classroom atmosphere such as room temperature, light, and
sound.
5. Beauty
This principle relates to the efforts to organize classrooms that are fun and
conducive for the learning activities. A beautiful and pleasant classroom can have
a positive effect on students' attitudes and behavior towards the learning activities.

Non-physical Factors

Not like the physical factors that focusing on physical environment of the
classroom. Non-physical factors more focusing on interaction of students with teachers,
and students with other students. The first step and most importantly in creating a good
classroom atmosphere is based on mutual trust, respect, and caring. To create it we
should build a good relationship between students and teacher, and among the students.
Students need the teacher to be firm. The ability to blend firmness with warmth and
caring is difficult, but certainly possible. McLeod, Fisher, Hoover (2003) described that
there are some strategies to build a caring and strong relationship between teacher and
students.
1. Model the behavior we want
Modeling is a powerful strategy, because children normally will copy many things
from the adult. So, by modeling the behavior that we want whether the attitude,
commitment, etc., it is possible that the students will copy it too. Which means if
you want your students to do something you must do it first.
2. Establish friendly but appropriate relationship
 There are two ways to create appropriate relationship with students. First by
providing them with opportunities to know us as people. And second by being
open to their concerns and feelings.
3. Make a connection
As a teacher we need to build a connection with our students. One of the ways is
by showing interest to them in terms of knowing their hobbies, favorite music or
foods, etc.
4. Maintain a high ratio of positive to negative statements
Instead of giving negative remarks or statements that almost always cause students
to think that they unworthy, incapable, and make them dislike schools we can give
them support and assistance as they make the change.
5. Communicate high expectations
By believing and trusting our students that they will success both in academic and
their social life will make students feel that they are valued.
6. Share control
It is good to look at the idea to sharing control with the students instead of putting
them in a power struggle which can be the start of their discipline problems.
7. Negotiate and provide a choice
By giving or providing choices we teach students to make good decisions, and to
assume the responsibility for the outcome, whether good or bad.

On the other hand, Erwin, Jonathan (2016) mentioned that there are 10 ways to create
a positive learning or classroom atmosphere, which are;
1. Address student needs
Students, like adult have not only physical needs but also important psychological
needs, love, freedom, fun, etc. When teacher address these needs, students will be
happier to be there.
2. Create a sense of order
 All students need structure and want to know that their teacher not only knows his
content area, but also knows how to manage his classroom. It is the teacher’s
responsibility to provide clear behavioral and academic expectations right from the
beginning, so that students should know what is expected of them all the time.
Another important way to create a sense of order is by teaching students effective
procedures for the many practical tasks that are performed in the classroom.
3. Greet students at the door every day
As students enter your classroom, greet each one at the door. Explain that you
want students to make eye contact with you, give you a verbal greeting, and
depending on the age of the students we also can do a high five, fist bump, or
handshake. This way, every student has had positive human contact at least once
that day. It also shows students that you care about them as individuals.
4. Let the students get to know you
Students come in to the classroom with preconceived perceptions of teachers.
Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it can be an obstacle. Since the only way to
impact people’s perceptions is to provide them with new information or new
experiences. And as a teacher we can do few things, for example making a quiz
with questions about ourself as teacher. By doing this, students will enjoy learning
about their teachers, and the quiz gave us an opportunity to share who we are,
what we value, and what experiences we will bring to teaching.
5. Get to know your students
The more you know about your students’ cultures, interests, extracurricular
activities, personalities, learning styles, goals, and mindsets, the better you can
reach them and teach them.
6. Avoid rewarding control
Instead of devaluing students successes with reward, talk to students about how it
feels to achieve proficiency and praise the effort, strategies, and processes that led
them to those successes. Then talk about what they learned this time that will help
them achieve their next successes.
 7. Avoid judging
When students feel like they are being judged or labeled, they distrust the person
judging them. Instead of judging students, be curious. Ask why. Once you uncover
the underlying reason for the behavior, that issue can be dealt with.
8. Employ class-building games and activities
One of the best ways to break down the cliques within a classroom and help shy or
new students feel a sense of belonging is to engage students in noncompetitive
games and cooperative learning structures. There are hundreds of resources online
and in books that provide thousands of appropriate choices for your grade level.
Another benefit of bringing play into the classroom is that it gives your students a
very powerful reason to come to your class, because it’s fun.
9. Be vulnerable
Being vulnerable develops trust faster than any other approach. Admitting your
mistakes shows that you are human and makes you more approachable. It also
sends the message that it’s okay to make mistakes in this classroom. That’s how
we learn. We embrace mistakes rather than try to avoid them at all costs. We learn
from those mistakes and grow.
10. Celebrate success
At first this may seem to contradict with point six about “avoiding rewards”. It is
not hinted at or promised ahead of time like an “if-you-do-this-then-you-get-that”
reward. Instead, you might set a class goal. Once the class has achieved the goal,
hold a celebration. It doesn’t need to be big. Showing some funny or interesting
(appropriate) online videos, bringing in cupcakes, or playing some noncompetitive
games would suffice.

Benefits of a Positive Classroom Atmosphere

Jonathan, C. Erwin (2009), describe that by developing a positive classroom
atmosphere we can make a significant strides towards some of the most important
concerns in today education, such as reducing discipline issue, increasing the graduation
and attendance rates, and improving student learning and achievement.
1. Reducing Discipline Issues Including Meanness and Bullying
Bullying has been becoming an issue from time to time. One of the most important
aspects in creating a positive classroom atmosphere involves building positive
relationship. When the students has a good relation whether with teacher or among
them, and that they feel accepted and connected it will has a great impact in
reducing meanness and bullying.

2. Increasing Graduation and Attendance Rates

One of the problems in today’s class is related to student drop out or their
attendance rates which is very low. The reasons behind it frequently included; not
liking school, not getting along with teacher, not feeling like they belong or not
getting along with other students, fearing for their safety, and feeling unable to
satisfy academic requirements.

These factors all relate to school atmosphere. And as a teacher, it is our task to try
to create a better classroom atmosphere. With a positive and good atmosphere in
the classroom will make the students very excited and happy to come to the school
which will result in the attendance rates. When they think that their environment is
comfortable, supporting, fun, etc. it will create an enthusiasm from the students to
follow the teaching or the learning process.

3. Improving Students Learning and Achievement

A large number of studies show a strong link between classroom atmosphere and
academic achievement. Through and extensive analysis of educational, social, and
cognitive psychology, researcher have found that classroom atmosphere is one of the four
variables directly linked into academic achievement.
 Reference

Cantero, J. M. M., Mira, R. G., Lopez, V. (2016). Influence of Physical Learning Environment in
Student’s Behavior and Social Relations. Kamla-Raj Enterprises, 25(3), 249-253.

Erwin, J. C. (2019). The SEL Solution : Integrate Social and Emotional Learning into Your
Curriculum and Build a Caring Climate for All. Free Spirit Publishing.

Garret, S. (2014). Effective Classroom Management : The Essentials. Teacher College Press.

McLeod, J., Fisher, J., Hoover, G. (2003). The Key Elements of Classroom Management :
Managing Time and Space, Student Behavior, and Instructional Strategies. Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Palmer, C. (2009, January 27). Building Students Engagement : Classroom Atmosphere. Faculty
Focus. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-classroom-management/building-
student-engagement-classroom-atmosphere/