Which strategies are most effective for maintaining order in the classroom?

There are many strategies that are effective for maintaining order in the classroom. The most important ones that I believe I will implement when I teach are:

-Allow student input when creating the classroom rules on the first day.
-Clearly state class objectives at the beginning of the year, unit, and lesson.
-Get to know your students by a survey.
-Allow students time to vent at the beginning of the class, this will lead to fewer disruptions during the class period.
-Avoid sending students to the office. Not only does this take away from their learning time but it also passes the authority to a different person. Students will respect you more if you try and work out the problem with them.
-Make sure students know you are there for them. This will lead to fewer disruptions because it appears to them that you are on their side.
-Implement meaningful and engaging components into every lesson. This will help to maintain order in the classroom because students will be motivated and less likely to act out.
-Incorperate the multiple intelligences. If students are able to learn their own way they will be more engaged and less likely to act out.
-Get a solid system or routine. It is frustrating for students when things are constantly changing. They need something to rely in.

There are many different strategies to implement in the classroom that pertain to maintaining order. I feel that these are the most important ones. Students need structure in how things are done but sympathy from you when things go wrong. As a teacher you must remain firm yet flexible. Set the rules, but leave some flexibility in them for when the unexpected happens. Even the most dedicated students are able to act out if you are not willing to roll with the punches.