Running Head: WEEK ONE LITERATURE REVIEW 1

Week One Literature Review

Carrie Creger
TED 690
June 8, 2019
WEEK ONE LITERATURE REVIEW 2

Abstract
The following literature review highlights the importance of strong classroom management

strategies and what these strategies encompass. The author, Rebecca Huth, emphasized four key

elements that are discussed and it is from these elements that a strong framework is developed

and an organized and structured foundation is laid out for students so that learning can take place

without the distraction of frequent misbehavior. This author utilizes research-based information

from several sources as to prove the importance and significance that strong classroom

management skills are in imperative component of a successful classroom environment.

WEEK ONE LITERATURE REVIEW 3

It is no surprise that many seasoned teachers will emphasize the importance of classroom

management skills as a necessity for all teachers to possess. In “A Strategy for Classroom

Management Success”, written by Rebecca Huth, she highlights necessary components needed

for strong classroom management. These components include; Creating the proper environment,

teacher awareness, implementing a teaching philosophy and finally, providing students with

proper guidance. According to Huth; “These four steps will give teachers of any skill level, the

opportunity to teach effectively and promote student success” (p. 4).

Looking at teacher awareness, Huth states that teachers must have guidelines that both

the teacher and students abide by when in the classroom; “This includes having four to six

classroom rules which are simple, specific, clear and measurable. The rules should be posted,

stated positively, introduced through role play, and reviewed periodically” (p.4). Utilizing these

guidelines consistently, sets positive and definitive boundaries and expectations for students

which in turn creates a safe environment for students. Following through with consequences is

also a part of the teacher awareness category. When a teacher doesn’t follow through with a rule

or consequence that has been laid out for students, the teacher looks inconsistent and students

may begin to believe that they can get away with misbehavior because there are times when there

is not a consequence for negative actions. Rules hold no power and provide zero structure if not

adhered to and properly utilized. It is also stated that when teachers verbalize their negative

feeling about misbehavior, this does not have any positive effect on the demeanor of the

classroom; “…teachers making loud, disapproving statements, increasing negative consequences

or removing more privileges. This actually increases negativity and scars the student teacher

relationship, leaving students feeling defeated” (p. 4). It can be very difficult to rebuild a student

teacher relationship once the trust is broken. It is normal for students to push boundaries and
WEEK ONE LITERATURE REVIEW 4

when classroom boundaries are hard to follow, inconsistent rules and inappropriate comments

can create a negative environment. This may easily cause students to lose respect for the teacher

and this can have a ripple effect amongst the all students as a whole.

Creating the proper environment goes hand in hand with the aforementioned information

related to classroom management. According to Huth, “Eliminating as much disruptive behavior

as possible is crucial to creating the correct environment for students to succeed” (p.5). Student

misbehavior in present in every classroom environment and will inevitably have to be dealt with

by the teacher. The key is to set clear guidelines for all students to follow and then to follow

through with these rules. This consistent framework with lay the foundation for a more peaceful

environment in which students are able to focus on their educational goals rather than getting

sidetracked or distracted by negative behaviors.

The creation of boundaries and a positive classroom environment are all possible based

on proper guidance from the teacher. The teacher lays the foundation for how the classroom is

organized and what is needed in order to create an environment that promotes a positive learning

space for all students. Students need a strong leader and that is the roll of the teacher.

Strong teachers often possess a philosophy related to teaching that helps to create and

implement the guidelines for their classroom and teaching. In Huth’s paper, she examines an

article written by a music educator and the philosophy she sets in place. Her philosophy for

teaching involves the four C’S of classroom management: Commendation, Communication,

Consistency and Content (p. 6). Utilizing a set of ideals to help guide one’s decisions in the

classroom makes it easier for the teacher to create a consistent and organized environment for all.

It’s critical as an educator to take the necessary steps to build a strong foundation in terms

of expectations and boundaries. Taking the time to build such a foundation not only creates a
WEEK ONE LITERATURE REVIEW 5

stable environment and also eliminates the chaos that can occur when a classroom has a laissez-

faire undertone. Classroom management can be a struggle especially in today’s world, when so

many students are entering general education classrooms and require many social-emotional

supports, however, management skills will either help or hinder the success of students when

they are at school. Taking the time to create a well-managed classroom environment may require

more energy and effort on the part of the teacher, but this is an invaluable investment in students

and their educational success.

WEEK ONE LITERATURE REVIEW 6

References

Huth, Rebecca (June 2015). Journal on Best Teaching Practices. Volume 2, Issue 2. A
Strategy for Classroom Management Success. Retrieved from
http://teachingonpurpose.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Huth-R.-2015.-A-
Strategy-for-Classroom-Management-Success.pdf