2 answers
Bianca
Student
Midland, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best classroom management technique?
What is the best classroom management technique? I've seen educators calmly gather the attention of the classroom and I would like to know how. I am currently substitute teaching to gain experience but sometimes the classroom gets out of my control, and it sure is a struggle to get it back. #Spring26
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2 answers
Ana Saramosing
Teacher
1
Answer
Olathe, Kansas
Updated
Ana’s Answer
One of the best classroom management techniques is consistency and building routines early. Students respond well when expectations are clear and calmly reinforced every day.
A strategy that really helps is using attention signals, such as call-and-response (“Class, class” / “Yes, yes”), countdowns, clapping patterns, or simply pausing quietly until students notice. Staying calm and confident is important because students often mirror the teacher’s energy.
Building positive relationships also makes a huge difference. When students feel respected and engaged, they are more likely to cooperate. Praise positive behavior more often than correcting negative behavior whenever possible.
As a substitute teacher, it’s normal to struggle at first because students are testing boundaries and routines are already established by another teacher. Classroom management gets stronger with experience, consistency, and confidence.
A strategy that really helps is using attention signals, such as call-and-response (“Class, class” / “Yes, yes”), countdowns, clapping patterns, or simply pausing quietly until students notice. Staying calm and confident is important because students often mirror the teacher’s energy.
Building positive relationships also makes a huge difference. When students feel respected and engaged, they are more likely to cooperate. Praise positive behavior more often than correcting negative behavior whenever possible.
As a substitute teacher, it’s normal to struggle at first because students are testing boundaries and routines are already established by another teacher. Classroom management gets stronger with experience, consistency, and confidence.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
194
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
What an interesting question!
However, I do not know at what level you are substitute teaching, which makes it more difficult for me to offer some insights.
Though you did state that "educators calmly gather the attention of the classroom", indicating to me the probability of such classes being somewhere above elementary school level. So I will take that as the distinct possibility, and if I am in error.....
And then there is the problem of being a substitute teacher. In many circumstances, not the best of all worlds to be in. Unless it is a long term substitution, then one would be on firmer ground.
But if substitute teachings in a class is for only a short period of time, and the students know their regular teacher will be back shortly, you really have your work cut out for you.
Yet there is a way to get students on your side. But you must be firm, and let them know this is an educational class, and there is work to be done. At any rate, on the first day (hopefully not the only day), get to the classroom early, stand in front of the room and watch the students come in. Do not smile. Perhaps have your arms folded across your chest. See how well they settle in. Do not say a word, just look at them. You're obviously young, I would think, just don't act like it, just let your "in charge" behavior set your personality. Of course, there will normally be one or two, as in most classes, that will not settle in. However, this does not necessarily mean that others in the class like them or respect them.
Then start the class. Set out in a clear but commanding voice that this is the work for the day. Said in such a way as your apparent age does not compute with the way you are taking charge. If the few who are not settling in, normally talking or fooling around, say something like "Excuse me for talking while you're interrupting", and hopefully you will get a few laughs or smiles from others in the class. If that can happen, there are others in the class who are turning to your side.
No nonsense. We have to get on with your education, and perhaps let them know that the topic(s) of the day are also interesting to you, and you can also learn from the lesson. It makes no difference if that is true or not.
You're all in this together, so let's get going.
And if all that does not work, it is a real struggle. And unforgiving.
Perhaps, in addition, you may want to discuss this with other teachers.
I had experience subbing, but if fit my personality. I always took the "take no prisoners approach", but that may not work for others.
However, I do not know at what level you are substitute teaching, which makes it more difficult for me to offer some insights.
Though you did state that "educators calmly gather the attention of the classroom", indicating to me the probability of such classes being somewhere above elementary school level. So I will take that as the distinct possibility, and if I am in error.....
And then there is the problem of being a substitute teacher. In many circumstances, not the best of all worlds to be in. Unless it is a long term substitution, then one would be on firmer ground.
But if substitute teachings in a class is for only a short period of time, and the students know their regular teacher will be back shortly, you really have your work cut out for you.
Yet there is a way to get students on your side. But you must be firm, and let them know this is an educational class, and there is work to be done. At any rate, on the first day (hopefully not the only day), get to the classroom early, stand in front of the room and watch the students come in. Do not smile. Perhaps have your arms folded across your chest. See how well they settle in. Do not say a word, just look at them. You're obviously young, I would think, just don't act like it, just let your "in charge" behavior set your personality. Of course, there will normally be one or two, as in most classes, that will not settle in. However, this does not necessarily mean that others in the class like them or respect them.
Then start the class. Set out in a clear but commanding voice that this is the work for the day. Said in such a way as your apparent age does not compute with the way you are taking charge. If the few who are not settling in, normally talking or fooling around, say something like "Excuse me for talking while you're interrupting", and hopefully you will get a few laughs or smiles from others in the class. If that can happen, there are others in the class who are turning to your side.
No nonsense. We have to get on with your education, and perhaps let them know that the topic(s) of the day are also interesting to you, and you can also learn from the lesson. It makes no difference if that is true or not.
You're all in this together, so let's get going.
And if all that does not work, it is a real struggle. And unforgiving.
Perhaps, in addition, you may want to discuss this with other teachers.
I had experience subbing, but if fit my personality. I always took the "take no prisoners approach", but that may not work for others.