Strategies and Interventions for Classroom Management: A Case Study of Ahmed

EDU20004 Assignment 3: Case study
Case study addressed: Ahmed
1. What strategies and interventions could you use to support the learners in the case study to make
decisions and guide their own behaviour?
Classroom management is an umbrella term that encompasses the application of a plethora of
techniques and skills by teachers for keeping all students focused, organized, orderly and attentive in the
classes. An analysis of the case scenario suggests that the main problems that could be identified in
Ahmed was his lack of willingness to participate in playful activities with others, withdrawal from the
class, and subsequent isolation (Levin & Nolan, 2014). The primary strategy that should be put to
practice in this case scenario involves ‘circle of friends’. Members of the peer group will be provided the
encouragement to look at self-behaviour for developing a deeper understanding of the behaviour of the
focus child (Wu, Fan, Hong & Chen, 2015).
Thus, providing training to the peers, recruiting volunteers among them and acquiring permission to
involve all would greatly benefit. Classroom discussion would be another potential strategy. These
discussions will prepare the entire class to show greater acceptance and empathy towards Ahmed, thus
taking efforts to improve his social and behavioural outcomes (Snow & O'connor, 2016). Role play will
challenge the peers to think about how they can act in a responsible manner when they hear people talk
in a mean manner about an individual. Role play would also allow the peers and other teachers to
understand the feelings of embarrassment, sadness, and humiliation that are faced by Ahmed on a
regular basis (Stanton-Chapman, 2015). Hence, implementation of these strategies will prove beneficial
in guiding behaviour.
2. How you would prepare the physical and social environment to contribute to the child’s relationship
with others and learning?
The physical environment of a classroom plays a pivotal role in addressing both negative and
positive behaviour among the learners. Poorly maintained classrooms that are devoid of any stimulating
features have been found to display a failure in creating an environment that encourage all students to
adopt a learning approach. According to the instructional communication theory, seating arrangements
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EDU20004 Assignment 3: Case study
play an essential role in influencing the communication of the instructor with the students, and among
themselves (Mottet, Richmond & McCroskey, 2015). Research evidences have established the fact that
students prefer learning in a physical environment that has provisions for flexible seating. Thus, the
physical environment will be prepared in a way that encompasses either of the two approaches namely,
pods and horseshoe.
While the pod arrangement will be created in a way that has circular tables and many of such tables
will be placed together to form groups, it will encourage a learning community. Conversely, the
horseshoe or semi-circle will offer an adapted roundtable setup, and facilitate all participants to face each
other, thus encouraging discussion (Ross, 2018). The physical environment will also be kept free from
obstacles. Altering the furniture layout after every 4 months would help.
Social environment of the classroom comprises of the perceptions of the students on how they
receive encouragement for interacting and relating with others. An appropriate social environment can
be created by setting the stage and playing the lead (Joe, Hiver & Al-Hoorie, 2017). Adorning the role of
the primary role model, efforts must be taken to create effective warm and nurturing relationships among
the children. Showing a consistent awareness on the feelings and needs of the child and adequately
defining the boundaries that exist in the setting will also prove beneficial. Some of the aspects that
should be taken into consideration while promoting a good social environment are teaching the skills of
friendship, and using child preferences for promoting social interaction (Churcher, 2014). Ahmed’s
learning behaviour can be enhanced by teaching about the different concepts of interaction and
reciprocity. Using puppets, games and feeling faces for recognition of emotions would also be
imperative for the same.
3. What specific involvement would external agencies and professionals have in the strategies outlined
in your response to the case study?
The educators, staff, coordinators and supervisors who are involved in the classroom teaching in the
institute will be asked to interact in a cooperative and respectful manner. They can serve the character of
role models for Ahmed and his peers. There is a need of seeking help from an appropriately trained educator
who will be able to formulate a budget for bringing about the changes in the physical and the social
environment. The educator will also help in implementing the modifications in the physical and the social
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EDU20004 Assignment 3: Case study
environment owing to the fact that he/she will refer to the procedures, policies, and provisions. These should
be adhered to and designed for equipping the classroom teachers with the adequate attitude, knowledge,
skills and behaviour that are imperative for addressing the needs of Ahmed (Long, 2016). Support will also
be required from relevant professionals and agencies for making decisions that are appropriate and in the
best interests of Ahmed, along with the other children. Some of the organisations and/or agencies that will
prove beneficial in implementing classroom changes include One World for Children Pvt Ltd, Community
Early Learning Australia, and Goodstart Early Learning.
4. What are the family, cultural and ethical considerations related to the case study?
The fact that socioeconomic background of a family plays an essential role in challenging behavioural
problems among children should be taken into consideration. Children belonging to poor socioeconomic
status and single parents are more likely to display problems in their classroom behaviour (Cartledge et al.,
2015). The fact that Ahmed belongs to a family that practices Islam might have contributed to his isolating
behaviour in the classroom. Adequate efforts must be taken to increase the awareness among his peers and
educators regarding his cultural beliefs and values. Demonstrating respect towards his cultural attitudes and
perceptions will prove beneficial (Coady, Harper & De Jong, 2016).
5. How can you make effective use of policy frameworks and external support organisations in
response to this case study?
The National Quality Framework that has been formulated by the ACECQA, Australian Children’s
Education and Care Quality Authority must be effectively used for changing the learning behaviour in the
case scenario. The National Quality Standard areas will prove effective in relation to the case study. The 2 nd,
5th, 6th, and 7th quality areas of the framework should be implemented in this case. The framework will
promote maintenance of the health and safety of all children, in a way that their physical activity is
promoted. Reasonable supervision and adequate precautionary steps will be taken to ensure that Ahmed and
his peers are protected from all forms of harms (2.2). Being respectful of the child and engaging in a
meaningful and responsive interaction, by building trusting relationships are some other essential steps (5.1).
The cultural and ethnic considerations should be respected and Ahmed’s family must also be involved in the
decision making process (6.1) (Acecqa.gov.au, 2018).
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