Effective classroom management

Baba's thought for today.

"The mind fixed in the awareness of the One is

like a rock, unaffected by doubt, stable, secure."

We had an exciting time over the last two days at the KTAR Training centre in Wisma MCA. This lively group of lecturers from Tar College, not only from the main campus in Setapak but also its branches in Kampar and Penang interatced with me during the workshop sessions.

We discussed many issues pertaining to effective classroom management and effective communication. On the topic of effective comunication, we emphasized the importance of listening.

During the seminar session, lead by Iris, seven ways to achieve good interpersonal communication were elaborated. These tips included appropriate body language (such as establishing eye contact, leaning towards the speaker, silent signals to show interest), not interrupting the speaker, using the speakers words to get your own point through, and asking suitable questions. The panel members shared their experiences which also included some humorous episodes which took place in the lecture halls and tutorial rooms.

In the next picture Mr Tan Ping Foo led his group in summarizing the main points on how to create active learning in the classroom. Ng Khoo Lay contributed practical ideas such as the use of appropriate teaching methods and using a variety of teaching aids and activities. Tan Gaik Yen also agreed that using cooperative learning will generate more participation from the students. The general conclusion was that instructional design should be student centred to achieve maximum learning.

In another workshop session, Prema, Christine, Hew and Jayamathy examined the issues involve in the topic of "Praise in the classroom." They emphasized the differences between praise and encouragement. Whilst praise only recognises complete, perfect product, encouragement recognises effort and improvement. Amongst the many differences, the most significant is the effect on one's self esteem. While praise makes one feel worthwhile only when others approve (external locus of control), encouragement makes one feel worthwhile without the approval of others (internal locus of control). In the long term, praise makes one dependent on others but encouragement will result in self confidence and self reliance.

Ooi Sumin, Diong Fong Wei, Yau Ming Yuan and Clifford presented some research findings on the importance of multiple intelligences in the teaching and learning process. As opposed to the traditional viewpoint of two types of intelligences of 'verbal' and 'computional', the paper describes the breakdown categories such as linguistic, logical/mathematical. social, musical, kinesthetic/bodily, personal and naturalistic. So ideally recognition of such differences will enable lecturers to plan their teaching methods and activities accordingly.

There was active participation from members of all groups and many topics were covered. I believe that the lecturers went away more informed on the principle of "withitness" when managing their classrooms; the significance of teachers' beliefs in students' achievement; and lastly through the case studies insights were gained on handling inappropriate behaviour, students' learning styles,personal problems faced by college students and also issues faced by lecturers in general.

I benefitted from the sharing and hope to get feedback from lecturers especially on the topic on 'Outcomes based learning'.