Classroom management is used by teachers to organise and structure their classroom events to maximise student learning (Wong, et al. 2012). Rules and procedures are integral parts of classroom management in creating such an environment.

Clearly defined rules provide students with the boundaries of what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the classroom and this allows students to work toward the common goal of academic excellence (The Importance of Classroom Rules & Procedures for Hospital Classrooms, 2017). Though there are numerous ways to approach classroom rules, most teachers agree that a few wide-ranging rules that include a variety of behaviours are one of the best options (The Importance of Classroom Rules & Procedures for Hospital Classrooms, 2017). For example, rules relating to respect, respecting others (behaviour towards teacher and classmates), respecting materials (acting safely with tools in the classroom), and respecting self (put forth a full effort, ask for help when needed) (The Importance of Classroom Rules & Procedures for Hospital Classrooms, 2017). Once rules have been established and punishments identified for those who break them, they should be posted in a visible place in the classroom. Importantly, rules should always be enforced consistently and fairly. When rules are not well defined or enforced or enforced sporadically it sends the wrong type of message to the students and chaos ensues. This, of course, negatively impacts the environment of the classroom.

Procedures differ from rules as there is no set punishment for when a student breaks the procedure (Wong, 2014). Kone (2017) states that rules carry out the spirit of the classroom, while procedures create the structure of the learning environment pertaining to the management of materials, learning structures, and safety measures”. Classroom procedures can cover anything from how students enter the class to sitting down, from starting assignments to group work, and from handing out materials to how they finish the class (Wong, 2014). The only way students learn procedures is through repetition and praise. Students should practice procedures until they have learned them and the teacher should always encourage students when they follow procedures correctly (Wong, 2014). When teachers fail to establish classroom procedures it destabilises the classroom as students are unsure of what they should do for even the simplest of tasks. For example, going to the toilet, sharpening pencils, and even entering the classroom. Wong (2014) describes procedures as the centre of a classroom management plan as they “create an atmosphere of purpose, surety and calm for students” and should always be implemented at the start of the new school year.

Why types of rules and procedures should be encouraged and discouraged?
Classroom rules which define right and wrong behaviours should always be encouraged as they teach students important values and correct behaviour. These values and behaviours then extend beyond the classroom. However, complicated rules or rules that can create unfair outcomes should be discouraged. For example, the teacher has a rule for not accepting any work after the bell rings. What happens if the student has a valid excuse? What defines a valid excuse? These types of rules create awkward situations which are best to avoid (Kelly, 2019).

Exciting procedures implemented at the start and end of the day should be encouraged. The way the student starts the day sets the tone for what happens next and likewise, the way the student finishes the day carries over to the next time everyone comes together (Marzano el at, 2003). For example, procedures to start the day can include, acknowledging students’ birthdays and/or other important events and achievements in students’ lives. Closing the day with an exciting activity is an example of a positive procedure to finish the class. However, more common closing procedures are associated with cleaning the classroom and putting away materials. Other administrative types of procedures, procedures connected to assessments, when teachers or visitors enter the room, should also be encouraged as it enables students to learn what is expected of them in the classroom (Marzano el at, 2003). Types of classroom procedures that embarrass or humiliate students should always be discouraged. For example, shouting out a struggling student’s poor grade or writing, or misbehaving student’s name in a public place (Curwin, 2015).

Assess the classroom environment
The best way to assess whether the classroom environment is positive is by watching the students; are they responsible for their time, do they know and follow the procedures and rules of the class, are they engaged, working, learning, and producing visible results (Wong, et al., 2012).

When rules and procedures are working correctly the classroom environment consists of students who are relaxed, polite, focused, and motivated to learn. There is little downtime as activities flow smoothly from one to another and learning is maximised.

Summary
Effective teachers know that positive classroom learning environments do not happen by chance but are the result of the implementation of positive rules and procedures. Students learn acceptable and unacceptable behaviour through rules and procedures which enable the classroom to run smoothly. From the outside observer it looks like the classroom is running itself but inside the teacher knows it is the outcome of well-established rules and procedures.

References
Curwin, R. (2015). 12 Ways to Avoid Student Humiliation philosophies. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/12-ways-avoid-student-humiliation-richard-curwin

Kelly, M. (2019). The 10 Worst Things a Teacher Can Do.ThoughtCo. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/teachereducationx92x1/chapter/progressive-education/

Konen. J. (2017). 6 Questions to Tackle in Managing Classroom Procedures. Teacher.org. https://www.teacher.org/daily/managing-classroom-procedures/

Marzano, R.J., Marzano, J.S., & Pickering, D. (2003). Classroom management that works: Research-based strategies for every teacher. Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com

The Importance Of Classroom Rules & Procedures For Hospital Classrooms. (2017). LearnWell. Retrieved July 6, 2020, from https://learnwelleducation.com/classroom-rules-procudures/

Wong, H.K. (2014). Proceed with intent: At the heart of a classroom management plan is practice and more practice of key procedures. Instructor, 124 (3), 32+. https://cd201l75l-mp01-y-https-go-galecom.proxy.lirn.net/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=lirn17237&id=GALE%7CA394788313&v=2.1&it=r&sid=sru