PLF Reflections

The One on Classroom Management & Last Chance Book Giveaway

EduMatch® News
September 27, 2023

EduMatch® connects educators worldwide with similar passions and interests who wish to grow and expand their learning.

Navigating the Post-Honeymoon Phase: Balancing Predictability and Innovation in Classroom Management

Ah, the beginning of the school year. The air is thick with the scent of freshly sharpened pencils and the electric hum of untangled computer cords. Teachers and students are filled with anticipation, and the classroom is a haven of mutual respect and enthusiasm for learning (right?!). But as the weeks roll on, the initial honeymoon phase begins to disappear. The novelty wears off, and we may find ourselves struggling with the effort of the day-to-day classroom management.

The Importance of Predictability

It's no secret that students thrive in environments where they feel safe. And to feel safe, they need predictability. Predictability comes from established routines, clear expectations, and consistent consequences. These elements create a framework within which students can operate, providing them with the psychological safety they need to take risks in their learning.

In the realm of emotional engagement, predictability is not just a classroom management tool; it's a cornerstone for building trust. When students know what to expect, they are more likely to engage in the learning process, to ask questions, and to make mistakes—all of which are essential for deep learning.

And Yet, Be Innovative

But here's the conundrum: As educators, we are continually encouraged to be innovative, to shake things up, and to break free from the traditional molds that have constrained educational progress. We attend workshops on the latest tech tools, read articles about groundbreaking teaching methods, and are told to prepare our students for a future that we can't even fully envision yet. So, how do we reconcile the need for predictability with the push for innovation?

Striking a Balance

Consistency in Framework, Innovation in Content

One approach is to maintain a consistent framework while varying the content. For instance, the structure of your lessons could remain the same—introduction, exploration, application, and reflection—while the activities within those segments change. This provides students with a predictable flow to each class, even as the activities and topics shift.

Involve Students in the Innovation Process

Another strategy is to involve students in the innovation process. If you're thinking of trying a new teaching method or tool, discuss it with your students. Get their input and make them part of the decision-making process. This not only adds an element of predictability (because the change doesn't come out of nowhere), but it also empowers students, giving them a sense of ownership over their learning environment.

Scheduled Unpredictability

Consider having designated times where unpredictability is the norm. Perhaps every Friday is "Innovation Day," a day where the usual rules are bent and new methods are tried. This turns unpredictability into a routine, paradoxically making it predictable.

Clear Communication

Above all, clear communication is key. If you're going to try something new, let students know ahead of time and explain your rationale. This reduces anxiety and helps students adjust their expectations, making the transition smoother for everyone.

In the quest for emotional engagement and effective classroom management, predictability and innovation need not be at odds. It's all about finding that sweet spot where students feel safe enough to explore the boundaries of their understanding, yet engaged enough to want to push those boundaries further. And in that delicate balance, we find the true art of teaching.

So, as you navigate the post-honeymoon phase of the school year, remember: Predictability provides the safety net, but innovation propels us forward. And it's in the interplay between the two that we find the magic that makes education such a rewarding field to be in.

Examples of EduMatch books to read on these topics:

Innovative Teaching: Escape Ed by Kristen Koppers and Brian Costello

Psssst! Reply to this email and ask for a FREE chapter from any of our books listed here!

Innovative Teaching: The Expert Effect by Grayson McKinney & Zach Rondot

Keep these books in mind for book studies. EduMatch Publishing provides a discount at just 10 books. Email [email protected] for more information.

Ask us about our classroom management courses that can be added right to your LMS! Classroom management basics for new teachers out of college or new teachers to teaching, or advanced classroom management for seasoned teachers who are looking for new strategies!

Emotional Bank Accounts

Think of your interactions with students as deposits or withdrawals from an emotional bank account. Positive interactions make deposits, while negative ones make withdrawals. Aim to keep the account in the green to foster a sense of safety and mutual respect. And this goes both ways, of course. The more positive interactions you’re able to cultivate, the more your own count is in the green.

These positive interactions are why we do what we do at EduMatch Learning. We want to support everyone in the education ecosystem so we can get as many people as possible in the green. All of our work is to support that precious moment of connection for both the adult and the student.

From the EduMatch Family to your classroom or district, we wish you the very best as you move into the last few months of 2023.

If there is some way we can support, schools, districts, and community organizations can schedule a 15-minute discovery call by emailing [email protected].

📚LAST CHANCE: Win an EduMatch Book Package sponsored by our friends at Teq! 📚

Last call for this giveaway! Teq, one of our favorite edtech partners who is an industry leader in providing educational technology solutions and professional development, is sponsoring an exclusive book giveaway you won't want to miss! You can’t even buy this package online - it’s THAT exclusive! Contest ends September 30th!

LAST CHANCE: Sign up for the Navigating AI Together Virtual Exploration!

Navigating AI Together: An EduMatch Exploration

Don’t forget to sign up for the FREE EduMatch AI Exploration Conference: Navigating AI Together Conference on October 7th, 2023 12-4 PM ET! Tickets are dwindling quickly and we do have a limited number of spots for attendees! CLAIM YOURS NOW! Explore AI's role in ethics, education, work, and daily life.