Chapter one
Introduction
1.1Background of the study
Few aspects of education have generated as much concern as classroom management and organization. They are among the most frequently addressed topics for teachers in service, they head the list of concerns of school administrators and have recently attracted more attention from teacher educators and researchers because a teacher’s ability to effectively manage the classroom and to organize instruction are basic components of teaching (Evertson, Emmer, Sanford & Clements, 1983). Moreover as classroom management strategies have a strong potential to positively influence student achievement and learning, they are paramount concern for many teachers, especially novices and teachers who are contemplating new instructional approaches for the first time (Delong & Winter, 1998).
There are many studies indicating that classroom management is one of the crucial factors that influence learning. For example, in their study, Wang, Heartel and Walberg (1993) identified classroom management as being the first in a list of important factors that influence school learning. Also, Marzano and Marzano (2003) reached the same results with Wang and his colleagues (1993) by identifying classroom management as the most important factor influencing school learning. Ben (2006) states that effective classroom management strategies are significant to a successful teacher’s delivery of instruction. This statement of the researcher explains the reason why classroom management is important. Effective classroom management prepares the classroom for an effective instruction which is crucial for the progress of learning. The term classroom management has been defined differently by various educators throughout the history. In most general terms, classroom management refers to the actions and strategies that teachers use to maintain order (Doyle, 1986). Martin, Yin and Baldwin (1998) define classroom management as a broader and comprehensive construct that describes all teacher efforts to oversee a multitude of activities in the classroom including learning, social interaction and students behaviors. Classroom management constitutes three broad dimensions; person, instruction and discipline. (Martin & Baldwin, 1992) For many years, traditional approaches were dominant in teaching and learning practices in schools. Traditional approaches were mostly based on the behavioral principles and laws of learning. (Goffin, 1994). The child was often viewed as the recipient of knowledge and teacher had the control over the students and subject matter. As a result of behavioral approach to instruction, teachers preferred behavioral classroom management techniques that consistent with their way of instruction. The behavioral model requires strong intrusion and management techniques on the part of the teacher (Garrett, 2005). Teacher is the leading person and therefore, has the responsibility of all ongoing issues in the classroom; from students’ motivation to misbehaviors.