How important is classroom management?

During my time at university, my education was focused on learning theory, pedagogical models, and a certain degree of applied linguistics... oh and some classroom management. Actually, classroom management ended up being a footnote in my syllabus and I hear from other students of education that this situation is more common than not. And yet, as I entered my first teaching experience, my lack of management skills rendered all my other knowledge moot. Any teacher with even mere hours of experience can tell you that it is the organization of people that enables the application of any kind of pedagogical theory, and yet little priority seems to be given to this essential competency in the realm of education teachers for the world. In the coming months, we will analyze the most distinctive elements of classroom management as well as focus on practical application. But first, let's begin with the few question for you readers to respond to:

• In your opinion, did your university education include a proper emphasis on classroom management?

• What is the most difficult aspect of managing a productive classroom?

• Can classroom management skills be taught formally, or must it be acquired through experience?