Why I Dislike the Term “Classroom Management”

The term “classroom management” is frequently used to talk about the things that happen in a classroom. However, there are some subtle (or not-so-subtle) implications hidden in the term. Let’s break it down and uncover those implications.

The word “classroom” means both the physical space of the classroom and the people who occupy that classroom. That’s not mysterious. We often hear places used as shorthand for groups of people who are associated with that place, such as using Washington to discuss the people who make up our national government.

However, using the word “classroom” instead of the word “students” depersonalizes the classroom. It makes the classroom sound like one solitary object, rather than a collection of human beings. It also makes each classroom sound the same as every other classroom, rather than acknowledging that each classroom is a unique collection of individuals.

Add the word “management” to the classroom that seems like a solitary object, and “classroom management” begins to sound like the teacher controls the classroom. Or they’re supposed to control it. This is rarely the reality for reasons I’ll discuss at another time.

So, here’s where we get to why I dislike the term “classroom management.” It seems to imply that teachers can control student actions. It also seems to imply that, since all classrooms are the same, that teachers just have to follow the formula to manage their classrooms. Just like how driving one car is not significantly different from driving another car.

In reality, no person can control the actions of another person.

Teachers cannot control their students’ actions. Teachers aren’t managers, supervising workers in a factory. They’re leaders, entrusted with shaping the next generation of human beings.

If you’re ready to take your classroom management to the next level, join the Classroom Management Revolution.

The Classroom Management Revolution is classroom management coaching for teachers. It is a six-month program where I teach you the tools to revolutionize how you manage your classroom and become the leader your students need.

Join me for a free information session about The Classroom Management Revolution on Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 p.m. EST or Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. EST (or both!)

The Revolution begins March 1.