Classroom management talk

With the aim of helping teachers-in-training learn the techniques of effective classroom management, UTAR’s Department of Languages and Linguistics (DLL) under the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) organised an enriching talk titled “Classroom Management” on 3 March 2016 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

 Yuen delivering her talk

Attended by more than 40 students from the English Education programme, the talk was delivered by Joyce Yuen, the CEO of Westlake International School of Kampar. The two-hour talk was divided into four major parts, namely icebreaking, an explanation on Marvin Marshall’s Social Discipline Model, classroom challenges, and tips on managing a classroom effectively.

The first slot incorporated some fun elements where the students were asked questions like “What kind of teacher do you aspire to be?” and “What is your greatest fear as a teacher?”. This slot was designed specially in order to identify the students’ perception about the teaching profession and what they aimed to be in future. 

The talk continued with an explanation on Marvin Marshall’s Model Social Discipline Model. The speaker explained that teachers can change the climate of a classroom from anarchy, bullying to cooperation and democracy. The aim was to enable students to take charge of their own behaviour. Each part was explained with relevance to a classroom situation with examples related unacceptable and acceptable behaviour.

Apart from that, the talk also featured a discussion on problems that students exhibit in the classroom, for example, swearing, talking in class, handing in unfinished homework, and many more. During the discussion session, a few participants were also asked to come up with ways to combat these problems. Last but not least, Yuen provided some pointers to overcome the challenges faced by teachers in a classroom.

Before ending her talk, Yuen emphasised, “A teacher’s work does not end when the last bell rings. As a good teacher your classroom demonstration should capture your students’ interest and ensure they acquire new knowledge from your lesson.”  

The talk ended with a souvenir presentation and a group photo taking session.

Dean of FAS Dr Alia Azalea presenting a token of appreciation to Yuen, while Head of DLL Christina Ong Sook Beng looks on 

Yuen (front row, third from right) posing for a group photograph with UTAR staff and students