The Sunday News
A class monitor is an individual who is appointed by the teacher, as the representative of the class. Students vote for their preferred candidate. It is the class monitor’s responsibility to ensure classroom discipline. They are answerable to the teacher in case of any mischief.
This individual should be a well-mannered, responsible and proactive student. A class monitor is expected to be a good example for other students and follow the school rules and regulations. The teacher can rotate the role among the students on a termly or yearly basis.
The class monitor should make sure that the classroom is tidy and ensure the classroom is left clean for the next class. He/ she helps the teacher distribute and collect papers, books, or other materials and take attendance and report any absentees to the teacher The monitor should erase the chalkboard after each lesson.
The class monitors have to ensure that there is no mischief happening in the classroom. A classroom monitor must be able to keep a pleasant attitude in all situations, promote a friendly and positive classroom environment,in which students are empowered to develop academic, communication and leadership skills. Identify students facing challenges at home and report to the teacher. Also, it is the responsibility of the class monitor to report those who are dating in class, or bringing alcohol and phones at school.
The classmates should not make any noise and in case they do, the monitor should take strict actions against it. They should warn the students or inform the teacher immediately. Always be guided by the school code of conduct.
During class, if you are the monitor, you help keep order and are constantly on the alert to prevent any occurrence that might detract from the dignity and respect associated with the class. You must also keep any non-class members out of the class.
Cases of theft usually occur when non-class members enter your class.
It is the responsibility of the class monitor to share the messages with other classmates that the teacher shares with them.
These messages may be regarding any important test, assignment, or any other general information. Hence, the class monitor should behave in a very responsible way or should take responsibility for their actions.
It is the responsibility of the class monitor to keep all the belongings of the classroom in its place. From the duster, attendance register, and other belongings of the classroom, the monitor should ensure that everything is in its place.
A classroom should have a class monitor because they help the teacher maintain peace and discipline in the class. Class monitors develop leadership skills and end up being prefects. They also learn communication skills through their work. They can act as a bridge between the teacher and the students.
Schools should equip class monitors and empower them in their roles. In most cases, class monitors don’t know their responsibilities. This explains why students always make noise, fight or watch pornography, during their free periods .
In essence, the duties of a class monitor extend beyond simple classroom management.
Dr Manners Msongelwa +263771019 392/Author/ Teacher / Youth Coach
