Social Skills in Classroom Management: Strategies, Theories, and Teacher Practices

Classroom Management Topic Papers: (50 possible points each) (Course objective(s) – 1, 4; INTASC Standard(s) -1,9)

Topic – Social Skills – Research the topic using at least five sources. Synthesize the literature found into a minimum three-page paper. Critically examine the topic and provide facts about the topic as well as tips for teachers.

You must follow the APA format in your paper. You must use a citation in the body of the paper each time you use information from a source. If you are quoting directly, your citation also needs the page number of the quote. You must have a reference for each source at the end of the paper.

• Create and modify environments and experiences to meet the individual needs of all children, including children with disabilities, developmental delays, and special abilities.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the influence of schedules, routines, and transitions on children and use these experiences to promote children’s development and learning.

• Recognize and apply learning theory to instructional management.

• Chapter 5: Instructional Management – Supporting Learning

After Reading This Chapter, Students Will Be Able To:

1. Students will be able to explain the principles of constructivism and how they can be applied to create a collaborative and student-centered classroom management approach.

2. Students will be able to identify and explain evidence-based strategies for effective lesson presentation, including structured instruction, active engagement, and differentiation.

1. Students will be able to identify key instructional management strategies that prevent learning loss, such as securing students’ attention, giving clear directions, and establishing effective routines to maintain lesson flow.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How do the key principles of Piaget, Dewey, and Vygotsky’s theories contribute to the constructivist approach to learning, and how can teachers apply these principles in management?

2. In what ways can technology, as discussed by Howard et al. (2021) and Kang and Song (2020), be used to enhance lesson delivery and support differentiated instruction for diverse learners?

3. How can teachers get and direct student’s attention to the lesson content?

4. How can teachers redirect students’ attention when it strays from the content?

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CATEGORY

Introducing the idea: Topic, problem, & purpose

The topic is clearly introduced (broad to narrow), leading to the specific issue. The issue is

The topic is not thoroughly introduced or starts too narrow. The issue

The topic is broadly presented but not made clear (no narrowing). The

The topic is not defined. The problem is not clearly articulated or is not feasible. Purpose statement is

specific, researchable, and relevant. The section concludes with a clear purpose statement. Appropriate support is provided for the author’s argument.

is stated but is not clear, not easily researchable, and not supported by sources. The purpose statement is present but may not be specific enough or clear. Support for the argument is present but may not be sufficient. T

issue is not clearly articulated, easily researchable, or sufficiently supported. The purpose statement is not clearly presented and does not make sense. Minimal support is presented, if any.

missing or not clear. Minimal support is presented if any.

Coverage of content The literature review provides the reader with literature that supports the topic. The researcher includes the literature’s relevance to the topic. Themes are identified and explained fully across sources.

The literature review provides the reader with literature that supports the topic. The researcher includes the literature’s relevance to the topic. Themes are identified and explained across sources.

The literature review does not make clear connections to the topic. Some themes are identified. The researcher does not clearly convey how the literature is relevant to the topic.

The literature review is weak and does not support the topic. Themes are not identified. The researcher does not convey how the topic is relevant to the literature.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

✅ Step 1: Understand the Assignment

You are writing a 3+ page APA-style paper on social skills in the classroom. You must:

• Use at least five scholarly sources.

• Provide in-text citations whenever you use information from a source.

• Include a reference page with all cited sources.

• Critically examine the topic (not just summarize).

• Provide practical tips for teachers.

✅ Step 2: Suggested Structure

1. Title Page (APA format)

2. Introduction (1 paragraph)

   • Broadly introduce classroom management.

   • Narrow to the importance of social skills in student learning and classroom climate.

   • End with a clear purpose statement: Example: “This paper explores the role of social skills in classroom management, synthesizes research-based evidence, and offers practical strategies for teachers to support diverse learners.”

3. Literature Review & Theoretical Background (1–1.5 pages)

   • Define social skills in education.

   • Explain why they are crucial for learning and behavior.

   • Link to Piaget, Vygotsky, and Dewey’s theories (constructivist approach).

   • Summarize at least 3–4 scholarly sources on social skills development in children.

4. Classroom Management Applications (1–1.5 pages)

   • Discuss how teachers can promote social skills through:

     • Environment modifications (inclusive classrooms for disabilities, developmental delays, etc.).

     • Schedules, routines, and transitions to support social learning.

     • Instructional management (structured instruction, differentiation, engagement strategies).

   • Tie in Howard et al. (2021) and Kang & Song (2020) on how technology supports lesson delivery and differentiated learning.

   • Provide tips for teachers:

     • Use cooperative learning.

     • Model conflict resolution.

     • Reinforce positive social behaviors.

     • Integrate SEL (social-emotional learning).

5. Discussion & Critical Analysis (0.5–1 page)

   • Evaluate the strengths and challenges of implementing social skills instruction.

   • Address barriers (e.g., large class sizes, limited resources, diverse needs).

   • Suggest teacher solutions (professional development, technology integration, partnerships with families).

6. Conclusion (1 paragraph)

   • Restate the importance of social skills in classroom management.

   • Summarize key findings.

   • End with a forward-looking statement on preparing teachers to meet diverse student needs.

7. References (APA format)

   • At least five sources (textbook + scholarly articles).

✅ Step 3: Writing Tips

• Use headings (e.g., Introduction, Literature Review, Applications in Classroom Management, Discussion, Conclusion).

• Avoid long block quotes—paraphrase instead.

• Be sure to connect theory to practice (Piaget/Vygotsky → group work, scaffolding, routines).

• Cite every source mentioned.