Is Classroom management one size fits all?
Hunter Fanshaw
Throughout this inquiry I explored the question: Should classroom management be consistent for all students, or should it vary based on the individual students needs? At the beginning I viewed this as a choice between fairness and flexibility. I thought consistency was essential as the majority of students need clear expectations, structures, and routines to succeed at the highest level. At the same time, students are all different and have different stories and perspectives, and it made me wonder if treating everyone equally was the same as fair.
This perspective shifted after reviewing my sources. I now fully believe that effective classroom management is not about being strict and rigid or being flexible, but rather balancing both. The research really highlighted that strong classroom management is built upon the idea that there are clear expectations, and routines but also supportive teachers and positive relationships. It showed how the overly strict classrooms increased student anxiety, reduced participation, and made students feel disconnected from the learning. What really stood out was that the idea that fairness does not always equal sameness. Instead, fairness can mean holding students accountable while responding to students in ways that reflect their individual needs and circumstances.
This inquiry also helped me connect classroom management to broader educational values in BC, including the First Peoples Principles of Learning, the Professional Standards for BC Educators, and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. All of these emphasize relationships, inclusion, dignity, and holistic learning. As an emerging educator, I now see classroom management as more than keeping order. It is about building a classroom community where students feel seen, respected, and supported. For me, good classroom management is like a sports team. Players need a system and rules to play/learn properly but also need the freedom to make decisions and develop their own skills/showcase their talent.
