Classroom Management through the Eyes of Elementary Teachers in Turkey: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

This study aims to explore Turkish elementary teachers’ (1) perceptions of classroom management, (2) classroom management problems they experience, (3) factors causing these problems, and (4) their classroom management practices. The study employed phenomenological research design in the qualitative tradition. The participants included 15 elementary teachers who were selected purposefully through maximum variation sampling. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through content analysis. Teachers reported classroom management problems in relation to physical environment, planning, time management, relationship management, and behavior management that have a connection to students, teachers, schools, classes, curricula, courses, and parents. Teachers described practices they employed to deal with these problems in relation to physical environment (e.g., seating arrangement), planning (e.g., developing effective lesson plans), time management (e.g., preparation for the class beforehand), relationship management (e.g., encouraging team spirit), and behavior management (e.g., assigning responsibilities to students). The sources of classroom management problems and potential solutions employed provide an insight into teachers’ classroom management practices as well as implications for improving their classroom management skills.