3 things you didn't know your classroom management software could do

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It is almost a truism among educators to say that classroom management is about relationship management. Learning requires great vulnerability and there is no doubt that educators must earn the trust and respect of their students. But if classroom management is about the deeply human endeavor of creating a fun, safe community where young people can learn and grow together, what role should software play in classroom management?

At the end of the day, it is up to the educator to make connections with students that enable learning and continue to build a sense of community. Classroom management software can help by giving educators more opportunities to interact with students throughout the day. Here are three ways your classroom management system could help support engagement and interaction with your students.

language learning

We've all had the experience of listening to a recording of our own voice and feeling a little surprised, perhaps even taken aback. That slight change in perspective from hearing your voice coming from inside your head to one coming from outside can almost make you sound like a different person.

Help students who are learning a language overcome this and change perspective. Ask them to record their voice using your class management system so they can review their pronunciation individually or with the help of you or a classmate. Whether the student is in a foreign language class, learning English as a second language, or simply learning new words as they develop their literacy, a recording can help them catch pronunciation mistakes they aren't even aware they are making. while speaking.

You can also use recordings to help students see how far they have come in their language journey. Make recordings early in the year as students work on vocabulary in small groups, read aloud, or practice conversation with peers. A few weeks or months later, make a similar recording and then share it with students to show them how much they've learned.

Social-emotional learning

Most classroom management systems will have some type of tool that allows students to tell teachers how they feel without speaking in front of the entire class, but that's just the beginning of the social-emotional learning potential that is within your reach. .

SEL is more complex than simply monitoring students, but there are ways to use classroom management software to foster the engaged and supportive learning community that all educators seek. For example, teachers can discreetly monitor students from a distance, allowing them to practice independence and self-management in a safe and supportive environment. A few simple nudges and notes of encouragement can get students back on track. Also, congratulate them on their progress and good efforts with virtual badges. It feels more personal and genuine if the message reaches only that person, as if the teacher has specifically recognized their effort.

For group work, whether to help solve problems in the group or to measure progress, record interactions so that students can review and reflect on how they interact with their peers. Maybe they are interrupting or not allowing their peers to speak and they just don't realize it.

Providing clear instructions can help students focus on the task at hand and help eliminate anxiety. To help them get to work with confidence, teachers can make screen recordings of instructions or procedures for students to follow or refer to as needed.

Whether you're getting student feedback, encouraging independence, or trying to reduce students' cognitive and emotional burdens, a high-quality classroom management system will have tools to help you make your classroom a safe space for learning. experimentation and growth. And when students reach out, testing the waters beyond their limits, it's a clear indicator that a supportive learning environment exists.

Building the connection between home and school

a 2002 report from Southwest Educational Development Laboratory found that “when schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and enjoy school more.” Fortunately, a good classroom management system is a wonderful tool for inviting students' families into the learning process.

We previously talked about recording students at different points in their language development process to show them their progress. Why not also send that video to your student's family to share their success? Or, just as you could create a screen recording to explain instructions or procedures for students to refer to, create similar videos to share with families. Even the most supportive adults of a student may feel unprepared to help, perhaps because they themselves struggled at school or because they feel unable to help with the technology their students use. A screen recording showing families how to log in to essential learning tools or school-home communication, a video of you explaining how to solve a math problem, or a screenshot of your students' work with your observations about the successes and challenges they faced. found upon completion could be the key to extending the learning day for a student with a loved family member.

A good classroom management system will also make it easier for students to get into the act. Invite students to speak up when they want something to be recorded or otherwise available to share with their caregivers. If your classroom management system has a student diary feature, have them periodically reflect on the challenges and successes they had during the previous week to send to their families along with other artifacts about classroom fun, their individual victories and its growth.

Classroom management software can certainly help teachers manage transitions, distribute materials, or ensure students stay on task. It is excellent for providing practical procedural support during the school day. But the real magic lies in opening up endless new opportunities to connect with students and the people who support them.