Chapter 6: Managing the Classroom
Tony Wright
INTRODUCTION
The classroom is the main setting for formal second-language learning. How it is managed
affects the quality of teaching and learning. This chapter explores the complexity of
classroom management and its relationship with pedagogy, considering current trends and
their impact on teacher training.
1. A THINKING FRAMEWORK FOR CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Classroom management has traditionally been linked to controlling student behavior.
However, this is a limited view, as the classroom is a dynamic space where learning and
teaching happen simultaneously. An effective management framework must consider four
key elements:
1. Time and space: These are institutional constraints that must be handled
efficiently.
2. Emotional engagement: Motivation and emotional atmosphere influence the
learning experience.
3. Participation: Learning depends on active involvement, mainly through classroom
talk.
4. Interrelationships: These four elements interact in complex ways, shaping
classroom life.
This framework helps to analyze recent trends and challenges in classroom management.
2. INFLUENCES AND TRENDS IN CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Two major influences have shaped classroom management over the past 30 years:
2.1 International, Regional, and National Influences
English has become the global lingua franca, increasing demand for language
learning.
Political, social, and economic changes affect language education policies and
priorities.
Migration has created more diverse classrooms, adding complexity to language
teaching.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has introduced new challenges
and opportunities.
2.2 Intellectual and Professional Influences
Language teaching has evolved beyond the communicative approach, moving
toward a post-method era.
The classroom is now seen as a learning community with its own culture.
Educational trends such as reflective practice and sociocultural theories influence
teaching methods.
Teacher education now focuses on learning-to-teach, teacher beliefs, and
institutional cultures.
These changes have made classroom management more complex, requiring teachers to
adapt.
3. CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Teachers face several key challenges when managing their classrooms:
3.1 Dealing with Pedagogic Change
Changes in teaching methods can be disruptive, requiring effort to maintain
stability.
Teachers must develop new skills to manage a wider variety of activities and
interactions.
Managing change also involves persuading students of the value of new learning
approaches.
3.2 Working with Diverse Student Populations
Migration has led to more ethnically and linguistically diverse classrooms.
Teachers must create an inclusive environment and address social and emotional
challenges.
Managing diversity requires new skills and institutional support.
3.3 Absorbing Technological Change
ICT offers new learning opportunities but also requires teachers to develop
technical and pedagogical skills.
Many students are digital natives, while teachers may feel less comfortable with
technology.
Online learning presents different management challenges, such as maintaining
student engagement.
3.4 Managing the Professional Domain
Teachers face increasing accountability and standardized curricula that may limit
classroom flexibility.
They must balance institutional requirements with the need to create meaningful
learning experiences.
Professional development programs should help teachers manage these challenges
effectively.
3.5 Learning Classroom Management
New teachers often struggle with classroom management and need practical
training.
Teacher education should integrate classroom management skills with teaching
methodology.
Professional development should support teachers in implementing change and
innovation.
4. CONCLUSION
Classroom management is more complex than ever due to diverse student populations,
technological advancements, and pedagogical changes. Teachers and students increasingly
collaborate in managing classroom life, requiring new skills and strategies.
Future developments may include:
1. A slowdown in pedagogical innovation, allowing time to evaluate new methods.
2. Greater access to ICT, changing the role of formal classroom learning.
3. Increasingly diverse student populations, with teachers gaining firsthand experience
in managing diversity.
Research will continue to explore key areas such as classroom interaction, emotional
climate, student perspectives, and the impact of innovation on management practices.
