EDA201W/101/3/2013

Tutorial letter 101/3/2013

Classroom Management
EDA201W

Semesters 1 & 2

Department: Educational Leadership and

Management

This tutorial letter contains important

information about your module
 CONTENTS

Pages

1 INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME ................................................................................................3

1.1 Tutorial matter ................................................................................................................................3
2 PURPOSE OF AND OUTCOMES FOR THE MODULE .................................................................4
2.1 Purpose ...........................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Outcomes ........................................................................................................................................4
3 LECTURER AND CONTACT DETAILS .........................................................................................4
3.1 Lecturer ...........................................................................................................................................4
3.2 Department ......................................................................................................................................4
3.3 University .........................................................................................................................................5
4 MODULE RELATED RESOURCES ...............................................................................................5
4.1 Prescribed books .............................................................................................................................5
4.2 Recommended books......................................................................................................................5
4.3 Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves) ...................................................................................................6
5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE MODULE.................................................................5
6 MODULE SPECIFIC STUDY PLAN ...............................................................................................5
7 MODULE PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING .....................................6
8 ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................................................6
8.1 Assessment plan .............................................................................................................................6
8.2 General assignment numbers .........................................................................................................6
8.2.1 Unique assignment numbers ...........................................................................................................6
8.2.2 Due dates of assignments ...............................................................................................................6
8.3 Submission of assignments .............................................................................................................7
8.4 Assignments ....................................................................................................................................7
9 EXAMINATIONS ...........................................................................................................................12
10 OTHER ASSESSMENT METHODS .............................................................................................13
11 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ..........................................................................................13
12 SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE .........................................................................................................15

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1 INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME

1.1 Tutorial matter

We are pleased to welcome you to this module: Classroom Management. We hope that you will find it
both interesting and rewarding. We will do our best to make your study of this module successful. You will
be well on your way to success if you start studying early in the semester/year and resolve to do the
assignment(s) properly.

You will receive a number of tutorial letters during the year. A tutorial letter is our way of communicating
with you about teaching, learning and assessment.

This tutorial letter contains important information about the scheme of work, resources and assignments for
this module. We urge you to read it carefully and to keep it at hand when working through the study
material, preparing the assignment(s), preparing for the examination and addressing questions to your
lecturers.

Please read Tutorial Letter 301 in combination with this tutorial letter as it gives you an idea of generally
important information when studying at a distance and within a particular College as well as important
information for Teaching Practice.

In this tutorial letter (101), you will find the assignments and assessment criteria as well as instructions on
the preparation and submission of the assignments. It also provides all the information you need with
regard to the prescribed study material and other resources and how to obtain them. Please study this
information carefully and make sure that you obtain the prescribed material as soon as possible.

We have also included certain general and administrative information about this module. Please study this
section of the tutorial letter carefully.

Right from the start we would like to point out that you must read all the tutorial letters you receive during
the semester immediately and carefully, as they always contain important and, sometimes, urgent
information.

We hope that you will enjoy this module and wish you success!

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2 PURPOSE OF AND OUTCOMES FOR THE MODULE

2.1 Purpose

This module relates to the educator’s role as a leader, administrator and a manager. One of the key
competences to be developed to fulfil this role is effective management of classroom teaching of various
kinds in different educational contexts (please see the Norms and Standards for educators, Department of
Education 2000: 17). All educators need good classroom management skills in order to be able to cope with
the increasing demands of education and instructional practice. How will this module be able to meet such
expectations?

The purpose of this module is to guide your intellectual, scientific and professional development through
training in selected aspects of classroom management so that you may experience meaningful task
fulfilment.

However, your professional development as an educator cannot be achieved on the basis of the theoretical
course content alone - you should also supplement your knowledge through practical implementation. Thus,
theory and practical experience should be integrated in this course.

Since only limited theory is presented here, the material should be approached critically and supplemented
by knowledge acquired in practice.

2.2 Outcomes

The broad outcomes of this module can briefly be summarised as follows:

• Theoretical knowledge of aspects of classroom management.

• Reflexive competence so that you could consider your own classroom practice critically and then
develop, along with your theoretical knowledge, management skills that you can use in your classroom
management practice.

The specific outcomes of the various sections of your work are provided in the study units of the study
guide.

3 LECTURERS AND CONTACT DETAILS

3.1 Lecturer

The lecturer responsible for this module:

Dr SP Mokoena
AJH Van Der Walt, Room 6-84
mokoesp@unisa.ac.za
012 429 4606

3.2 Department

Queries that are not of a purely administrative nature but are about the content of this module should be
directed to us. Please have your study material with you when you contact us. E-mail and telephone
numbers are included above but you might also want to write to us.

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Letters should be sent to:

The Module Coordinator (EDA201W)

Department of Teacher Education
PO Box 392
UNISA
0003

PLEASE NOTE: Letters to lecturers may not be enclosed with or inserted into assignments.
IMPORTANT! ALWAYS STATE YOUR STUDENT NUMBER AND MODULE CODE IN ALL
CORRESPONDENCE!

3.3 University

If you need to contact the University about matters not related to the content of this module, please consult
the publication my Studies @ Unisa that you received with your study material. This booklet contains
information on how to contact the University (e.g. to whom you can write for different queries, important
telephone and fax numbers, addresses and details of the times certain facilities are open).

Students should address all general administrative enquiries to:

• Fax number (RSA) 012 429 4150

• Fax number (international) +27 12 429 4150
• E-mail study-info@unisa.ac.za

4 MODULE RELATED RESOURCES

4.1 Prescribed books

There is no prescribed book for this module.

4.2 Recommended books

Kruger, A.G. & Van Schalkwyk, O. J. 1997. Classroom management. Revised edition. Pretoria: Van Schaik.

Coetzee, S.A., Van Niekerk, E.J., & Wydeman, J.L. 2008. An educator’s guide to effective classroom
management. Pretoria: Van Schaik.

4.3 Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves)

There are no e-reserves for this module

5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE MODULE

Important information appears in your my Studies @ Unisa brochure.

6 MODULE SPECIFIC STUDY PLAN

Refer to the my Studies @ Unisa brochure for guidance on time management and planning skills

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7 MODULE PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING

None.

8 ASSESSMENT

8.1 Assessment plan

There are two compulsory assignments for this module. The submission of assignment 01 will qualify you
for admission to the examination. This assignment 01 counts 10% towards your final year mark. Failure
to submit assignment 02 will not influence examination admission (only the submission of assignment 01
will give you examination admission), but assignment 02 also contributes 10% towards your final mark for
this module. For your own convenience an evaluation guide for all the assignments will be included in a
tutorial letter. By using this guide you will be able to identify how to improve on your assignments (after your
assignments had been marked and returned to you). It is important that you submit assignments in time.

The assignments that you need to complete form an integral part of the assessment plan. Your examination
questions will be similar to those set in the assignments, except that they will be in a structured format, such
as paragraph type questions, in order to cover all the content. You may also be asked multiple-choice
questions and short questions. Your assignments are thus important in your exam preparations, but cannot
carry you through. It is therefore important for you to master the content of this module thoroughly and not
only study the assignments for examination purposes.

8.2 General assignment numbers

In this module you should submit two assignments. Make very sure that you submit the correct
assignments according to the semester in which you take the module.

8.2.1 Unique assignment numbers

Semester 1
Assignment number Unique number Due date
01 844440 15 March 2013
02 670517 12 April 2013

Semester 2
Assignment number Unique number Due date
01 719493 02 September 2013
02 776341 20 September 2013

8.2.2 Due dates of assignments

Take careful note of the following closing dates for the first and second semesters. No extension can be
granted for both Assignment 01 and 02.

Semester 1
Assignment number Unique number Due date
01 844440 15 March 2013
02 670517 12 April 2013

Semester 2
Assignment number Unique number Due date
01 719493 02 September 2013
02 776341 20 September 2013

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Please remember to give the assignment the same number as the one appearing in this tutorial letter. Thus,
even if you do Assignment 02 first, you should number it "02" and not "01".

Enquiring about assignments (whether they were received by the University, what mark was awarded,
when they were returned to you, et cetera) please consult brochure my Studies @ Unisa.

• Fax number: (012) 429 4150/ +27 12 429 4150

• E-mail: study-info@unisa.ac.za

8.3 Submission of assignments

You may submit written assignments and assignments done on mark-reading sheets either by post or
electronically via myUnisa. Assignments may not be submitted by fax or email. For detailed information and
requirements as far as assignments are concerned, see the brochure my Studies @ Unisa, which you
received with your study material.

To submit an assignment via myUnisa:

• Go to myUnisa.
• Log in with your student number and password.
• Select the module.
• Click on assignments in the menu on the left.
• Click on the assignment number you want to submit.
• Follow the instructions on the screen.

8.4 Assignments

Please note: Although students may work together when preparing assignments, each student
must write and submit his or her own individual assignment. In other words, you must
submit your own ideas in your own words, sometimes interspersing relevant short
quotations that are properly referenced. It is unacceptable for students to submit
identical assignments on the basis that they worked together. That is copying (a form
of plagiarism) and none of these assignments will be marked. Furthermore, you may
be penalized or subjected to disciplinary proceedings by the university.

NB: SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENT 01 WILL GIVE YOU EXAMINATION ADMISSION AND IT

COUNTS 10% TOWARDS YOUR FINAL MARK FOR THIS MODULE.

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ASSIGNMENT 01 FOR SEMESTER 1 AND 2: (Paragraph / Essay- type questions)

QUESTION 1

Briefly define the following concepts in relation to classroom management:

1.1 Conflict

1.2 Decision-making

1.3 Communication

1.4 Motivation

1.5 Leadership (10)

QUESTION 2

2.1 Discuss the following classroom management styles:

2.1.1 Autocratic classroom management style (5)
2.1.2 Democratic classroom management style (5)

2.2 Describe FIVE styles of conflict management which the educators can use to handle conflict in
their classrooms. (10)

2.3 Briefly explain how you would create a positive classroom climate in your classroom by
maintaining a proper balance between the task-oriented and the human relations aspects in the
teaching learning situation. (10)

2.4 Draw up your own classroom policy under relevant headings in which you cover the various
aspects of a classroom policy. (10)

[50]

NB: THIS ASSIGNMENT 02 COUNTS 10% TOWARDS YOUR FINAL MARK FOR THIS MODULE

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ASSIGNMENT 02 FOR SEMESTER 1 AND 2 (MULTIPLE-CHOICE)

Answer this assignment on the mark-reading sheet. (Included in the package you received on registration).
Study the brochure my Studies @ Unisa for information on how to use and complete a mark-reading sheet.
This assignment is marked by computer on a specific date and no extension on the deadline can therefore
be given. Make clear marks – use an HB pencil.

Each question has only ONE correct answer.

1.1 Assumption(s) about classroom management:

1 The educator is both the authority figure and the instructional leader in the classroom.
2 Good classroom management implies good teaching.
3 Effective classroom management strategies are cost-effective in terms of teaching.
4 All of the above.

1.2 Multidimensionality as a characteristic of the classroom situation means:

1 Everything that happens in the classroom soon becomes general knowledge among
learners and parents.
2 A wide variety of activities is performed in every classroom situation.
3 Things happen simultaneously in the classroom and educators should be able to divide
their attention.
4 Teaching-learning situations are formally designed and structured in terms of the school
timetable.

1.3 In a laissez-faire classroom there is …

1 little control.
2 too much control.
3 shared control.
4 None of the above.

1.4 An autocratic classroom is:

1 child-centred
2 interactive
3 educator- centred
4 both (a) and (b)

1.5 The goal of classroom management is to …

1 make effective teaching and learning possible.

2 apply educator centred teaching methods.
3 discipline learners.
4 do group work.
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1.6 Overemphasis on the task dimension of a educator’s work may lead to a …

1 democratic management style.

2 laissez faire management style.
3 autocratic management style.
4 expert management style.

1.7 This type of power is also known as “position power”, which refers to the authority delegated to a
position:

1 Referent power
2 Legitimate power
3 Coercive power
4 Expert power

1.8 Management functions/tasks that an educator should be able to apply:

1 Organising, planning, directing, control.

2 Decision-making, communication, motivation, discipline.
3 Group work, leadership, decision-making, organising.
4 Planning, directing, evaluation, teaching methods.

1.9 Formulating the aims, analyzing the present situation, implementing the plan, and
evaluation are phases of -

1 organizing
2 control
3 decision-making
4 planning

1.10 The management task regulating the execution of plans and/or instructions to ensure that
execution conforms to the predetermined plans, standards and goals is labelled …

1 control.
2 organising.
3 decision-making.
4 planning.

1.11 General statements or guidelines that allow a person to take decisions within certain fixed
parameters/boundaries constitute the management task of -

1 control.
2 organizing
3 leadership
4 policy making

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1.12 Concept(s) related to communication:

1 Sender
2 Media
3 Feedback
4 All of the above.

1.13 A physical component, a social component and an educational component are components
associated with -

1 teaching methods
2 discipline
3 classroom environment
4 classroom climate

1.14 Discipline is related to -

1 acting supportively and in a directive manner

2 reprimanding
3 punishment
4 all of the above.

1.15 The percentage of time that learners actually spend on learning activities is referred to as:

1 allocated time
2 time on task
3 revision time
4 classroom time

1.16 A process activity that relates to the leader’s task of keeping group members task- oriented:

1 Creating atmosphere
2 Training
3 Summing up
4 Explaining

1.17 Wrong perception, poor communication, and differences of opinion are - ?

1 strategies of domination
2 causes of conflict
3 communication blocks
4 misunderstandings

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1.18 The style of conflict management used when parties cooperate to find a satisfactory solution:

1 domination
2 avoidance
3 accommodation
4 problem solving

1.19 A principle of invitational education:

1 Choose the best solution of various alternatives

2 Analyse the need
3 People have relatively untapped potential at all levels of human development
4 With-it-ness

1.20 A quality of the invitational educator:

1 Trust
2 Unintentionally disinviting
3 Collects information
4 Unpredictability
[20]

9 EXAMINATIONS

The Department of Education requires the university to prove that a student was active during the period of
tuition before the student will be subsidized by the Department of Education. Senate has approved that the
submission of a compulsory assignment will be used to prove activity and also that students will be
admitted to the examination by submitting the assignment. Examination admission is solely dependent
on submission of Assignment 01.

As explained above you need to qualify to write the examination, as there is no automatic admission. In
order to qualify, you MUST submit Assignment 01, for which you will be awarded a mark.

We emphasize the point again: if you do not submit Assignment 01 on time, you will not be allowed
to write the examination.

Examination period

This module is offered in a semester period of 15 weeks. This means that if you are registered for the first
semester, you will write the examination in May/June 2013 and the supplementary examination will be
written in October/November 2013. If you are registered for the second semester, you will write the
examination in October/November 2013 and the supplementary examination will be written in May/June
2014.

During the semester, the Examination Section will provide you with information regarding the examination in
general, examination venues, examination dates and examination times.

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Examination paper

The paper is two hours long. You will receive a tutorial letter providing information on the examination later
in the semester.

Previous examination papers

Previous examination papers are available to students. We advise you, however, not to focus on old
examination papers only as the content of modules, and therefore examination papers, changes from year
to year. You may, however, accept that the type of questions that will be asked in the examination will be
similar to those asked in the activities in your study guide and in the assignments.

Tutorial letter with information on the examination

To help you in your preparation for the examination, you will receive a tutorial letter that will explain the
format of the examination paper, give you examples of questions that you may expect and set out clearly
what material you have to study for examination purposes.

The examination and your final mark

The examination will be marked out of 100 and then a calculation made so that it represents 80% of your
final mark. The result is therefore weighted in favour of the examination which is critical to your success in
this module. After the examination has been marked and the result finalized, your examination result and
your semester mark will be combined, and your final mark will be calculated.

The final mark is the result that will be released to you by the University.

In terms of Unisa’s Assessment Policy, a subminimum of 40% in the written component(s) of the
examination is required. A student's final mark is a combination of the year mark and the examination mark,
but if a student does not obtain the required subminimum of 40% in the examination, the year mark does
not count. In such instance the final mark is the mark obtained in the examination. If your year mark is
100% but you obtain 37% in the examination, your final mark will be 37%. Should you obtain 40% or more
in the examination, the year mark will contribute 20% and the examination mark 80% to your final mark.
This means that if you have a year mark of 18 out of 20 and obtain 50% in the examination, your final mark
will be 18 + 40 = 58% (NOT 68%).

A pass mark for this module is 50%, and a distinction mark is 75%.

10 OTHER ASSESSMENT METHODS

None.

11 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The brochure, my Studies @ Unisa, contains an A-Z guide of the most relevant information.

If you have difficulties with your studies, please contact your lecturer as soon as possible - in writing or
telephonically. You are also welcome to visit us personally from Monday to Friday. However, please make
an appointment beforehand.

We wish you success in your studies.

YOUR LECTURER
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SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE: 91 (OPTIONAL)

Classroom Management

SURNAME AND INITIALS: .........................................................................................................

STUDENT NUMBER: ..................................................................................................................

1. Home language: (mark which one is applicable)

African language (specify)

English

Afrikaans

European language
(specify)

Other (specify)

2. Current occupation: .......................................................................................................

3. Age: ...............................................................................................................................

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 4. What is your opinion regarding the scope of the work covered in this module? Mark one
answer on each line.

Volume of work Too much Manageable Too little

Themes covered Too broad Just right Too narrow

Relevance for SA Irrelevant Of some relevance Relevant

International Irrelevant Of some relevance Relevant

relevance

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING HONESTLY:

1. What aspect(s) did you find the most interesting?

........................................................................................................................................

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2. What aspect(s) did you find the most boring?

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3. What aspect(s) frustrated you most and why?

........................................................................................................................................

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........................................................................................................................................

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4. What was the most positive aspect(s) in your opinion?

........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................

5. Any suggestions for improving the module:

........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................

6. How do you rate the tutorial letters generally? Mark one answer on each line.

Number received Too few Right number Too many

Detail Too little detail Sufficient detail Too detailed

Level of difficulty Difficult to follow Understandable Easy to follow

Standard of Poor Acceptable High standard

contents of the
tutorial letters

7. How do you rate the module? Mark one answer on each line.

Level of difficulty Difficult to follow Understandable Easy to follow

Standard of Poor Acceptable High standard

contents of this
section

8. Please indicate technical errors such as spelling mistakes or any specific instance
where the explanation of the study guide and/or tutorial letters appears to be illogical.

........................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................

9. How many hours did it take you to work through this section? ......................................

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