Action Research Presentation Abby Connolly

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The Survey

More questions!

I created a survey using Google forms. The survey touched upon a variety of questions about classroom management styles, teaching experience/practices, reflections, etc. There were a total of 5 middle school teachers who particpated in the survey section of my research.

More general questions

Notes on observations of other classrooms

In the survey, teachers were also given the opportunity to provide more insight into their teaching practices through free response questions and check boxes

A little bit about me...

Last year was my first year teaching and I worked in a kindergarten classroom. This year I am working at a private middle school where classes are single-sex. Boys and girls share the same campus, but their actual classes are separate. As it is only my second year teaching, I am still figuring out how to run a classroom smoothly which is where I got the inspiration for my research question: What strategies prove to be the most effective in promoting positive classroom management and student engagement?

A common theme for classes was starting with a routine

this creates a sense of familiarity for the students

Examples: Beginning of class always starts with a homework check or warm-up activity One class had assigned seats, whereas the other one did not.

Positive language

Example: “please join us” to get the students to where they needed to be.

Neither teacher raised their voices.

Engaged the class with questions

Discussed the calendar/scheudle and what was coming up so that students knew how their classtime was relevant to their assessments

Participants were allowed to write as little or as much as they wanted to in response to these questions, they also had the option to skip any that they did not want to answer.

What were the questions?

What specific strategies do you employ to establish a positive classroom environment?

Responses

How do you handle disruptive behavior in your classroom?

Are there specific techniques you use to encourage student engagement during lessons?

How often do you collaborate with other teachers or staff members to enhance classroom management practices?​

Are there any specific challenges you face in implementing your preferred classroom management style?

What did I learn about my own teaching?

Students need a routine

Homework checks help establish routines!

Once I established a clear routine I found that my students took less time to settle into class and were more focused early on and throughout class time

I start my classes off with homework checks so that I can not only ensure they students are completing their work, but it also helps the students to know what to do right when they walk in the door. To address concerns of academic integrity I also introduced 2 different versions for each homework check to mitigate copying. This adjustment revealed early on that some students were providing incorrect answers due to unknowingly copying from peers with different versions.

Students need structure

Educators are responsible for creating the culture of their classrooms

I started the school year with no assigned seats, but I quickly learned that the 8th graders at my school need assigned seats so that they are not tempted to sit next to a friend that they will be distracted by during class. I also learned that the actual lay out of the desks is important too! I used to have the desks set up in a U-shape, but when I switched the desks to organized rows I noticed a significant shift in the atmosphere of my classroom

It is crucial that teachers set expectations early on, and stick to them. Students rely on this structure in order to know how they should act in a classroom setting and as the leader of the classroom, teachers are the ones that students will look to for what is right or wrong.

What do these responses reveal ?

How are they relevant to the research question?

The responses gathered from the survey provide valuable insights into the strategies employed by the teacher to foster a positive classroom environment. Several consistent themes emerge, highlighting a focus on building relationships with students. The emphasis on learning about each student individually, remembering personal interests, and creating an open, discussion-based class suggests a commitment to cultivating a supportive atmosphere. The acknowledgment of potential challenges, such as students misinterpreting kindness for a too relaxed environment or difficulties faced with certain individuals, demonstrates an awareness of the complexities involved in maintaining a positive classroom dynamic.

What strategies prove to be the most effective in promoting positive classroom management and student engagement?

How did I come up with this research question?

As someone who is new to teaching, I found that one of my biggest struggles in the classroom was with classroom management and I wanted to learn how I could be better...

A

I first started my research in my own classroom. I would take note of my own practices and tried to apply methods from different articles I had read to create a more positive learning environment for my students

B

As I continued my research, I knew that other teachers would have similar experiences to myself so I observed other classrooms/teaching practices as well

Connection to effective teaching

Thank you

To gather even more data and input from other teachers at my school, I created a survey that was filled out by 5 other teachers in the middle school where I teach.

C

Best of luck with managing your classrooms and fostering positive learning environments :)

Effective classroom management is closely connected to effective teaching and is often considered a cornerstone of successful educational practices. The connection between effective classroom management and effective teaching can be understood through various interrelated factors such as a positive learning environment, sense of community and comfortability, student engagement, and dealing with student behaviors in a manner that does not deter from learning for other students. When teachers know how to manage their classrooms, they do not have to worry about disruptions getting in the way of their teaching and other students' learning process. In summary, effective classroom management is integral to creating an environment conducive to effective teaching. Ultimately, the combination of effective classroom management and teaching practices contributes to a dynamic and successful educational experience for both teachers and students.