EFFECTIVE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: CREATING ENGAGING CLASS ACTIVITIES 3H+3H - Forums
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EFFECTIVE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: CREATING ENGAGING CLASS ACTIVITIES THROUGH 3H+3H METHOD
A disorganized class can be so exhausting and time consuming without improved performance in both the teachers and the students. Effective classroom management is crucial for creating a productive learning environment because, it is the strategies and techniques used by teachers to create an organized, structured and respectful classroom experience that promotes students learning and achievements.
However, Research suggests that classroom management is a significant factor in teacher’s burnout and attrition. For example, according to a study from the American Educational Research Association in January 2024, teachers are 40% more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety in comparison with healthcare workers; and over half of teachers say they will leave teaching sooner than originally planned as a result of exhausting classroom atmosphere. This finding is evidence that proves the importance of effective classroom management towards ensuring an engaging teaching and productive learning.
What is 3H+3H Method of Classroom Management?
The 3H of "Head Up, Head Down, Head Sideways" method is a classroom management technique used to engage students and encourage active listening through the effective utilization of the other 3H “Head, Heart and Hand” of the students.
- Head Up: Students look up and focus on the teacher, indicating they are ready to receive instructions or information. It is important that the teacher is abreast of the subject matters and able to engage and stimulate active listening of the students.
- Head Down: Students put their heads down, signaling they should work independently or quietly on a task like writing note, reading assigned text or solving individualized tasks in the class. This helps minimize distractions and promotes focus.
- Head Sideways: Students turn their heads to the side, indicating they should collaborate or discuss with their peers through group work. This encourages teamwork and communication.
The Head-up is the stage where the teacher feeds the students with vital and adequate information that arrest the students’ attention in the class. It is the stage where the Heads of the students are utilized for important and necessary information. This stage can be used to build the Cognitive Domain or knowledge base of the students.
The Head-down is the stage where the students work quietly on assigned tasks in the class. It is the stage where the Hearts of the students are put to test. It is the stage to build the Affective Domain, attitude or value base of the students. Class activities tend to be boring and rowdy when the teacher is solely taking the central stage of the class activities. This Head-down stage keeps the students busy and builds independent minded learners.
The Head-sideway is the stage that encourages the students to work as a team, brainstorm and solve problems together. This stage builds 21st century skills in the students such as communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, leadership and effective time management to complete given group work.
How to Implement the 3H+3H Method of Classroom Management
Before the implementation of 3H+3H, it is important to clearly explain the method to your students, ensuring they understand the meanings behind each head position. It is important to also set expectations by establishing what you expect from your students during each head position. For example, silence during "Head Down". This method can be aligned with the learning objectives of the lesson below:
- Head Up:
- Students look up and focus on you.
- Deliver instructions, provide information, or lead discussions.
- Head Down:
- Students put their heads down and work independently or quietly.
- Circulate around the room to assist as needed.
- Head Sideways*:
- Students turn their heads to collaborate or discuss with peers.
- Encourage teamwork and facilitate group work.
In conclusion, it is important to use consistent signals by choosing a consistent signal for each head position to avoid confusion among the students. You can also combine this method of classroom management (3H+3H) with other strategies by incorporating other techniques to create a comprehensive approach. It is vital to monitor students’ Progress by observing their behaviors and responses to each head position; and adjust as needed in order to create dynamic classroom environment. The effective utilization of this method of classroom management will promote a productive, focused and engaging learning environment.