Can classroom management techniques be universal?

Question

Can classroom management techniques be universal?

Answer 1

Yes, to some degree, because kids are kids all the world over.  But some things that might cause variation:

- Age of the students

- Personality of the teacher

- Size of the classroom/number of aides (if any)

- Cultural differences: some cultures have great reverence for teachers; some cultures allow corporal punishment, etc.

- Material being taught (gym class would be handled differently than an art class).

Answer 2

Some can be.

Everyone needs a way to regain student attention when you've lost it or to begin the day.  Everyone needs a way to collect assignments, begin the day, answer questions / deal with problems.  While each teacher is different most teachers use similar methods for each of these.  

There are definitely some strategies that work better than others.  Call backs, for example, are a great way to regain attention.  Flickering lights is effective.  Clapping.  Each teacher will find the way that suits him / her best but I would consider the basic concept behind each of these to be "universal" - with an individual twist on the actual method.