Standard 6-Classroom Management
“Demonstrates competence in classroom management.”
Effective classroom management means not only minimizing behavioral problems, but creating a positive learning environment. A classroom’s environment is impacted by the physical layout of the classroom as well as the expectations and procedures determined by the teacher. All should be designed to maximize learning time. Students should feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and challenging each other. A positive learning environment makes students more likely to work due to intrinsic motivation as opposed to being “forced” to do something.
As a teacher, I understand the importance of social interactions. Cooperative work can be very motivating to students. It is my job to structure these interactions so that they are frequent, positive, and enhance (not distract from) student learning. It is also my job to make sure that the relationship between me and each of my students is consistently positive and caring.
Effective classroom management means not only minimizing behavioral problems, but creating a positive learning environment. A classroom’s environment is impacted by the physical layout of the classroom as well as the expectations and procedures determined by the teacher. All should be designed to maximize learning time. Students should feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and challenging each other. A positive learning environment makes students more likely to work due to intrinsic motivation as opposed to being “forced” to do something.
As a teacher, I understand the importance of social interactions. Cooperative work can be very motivating to students. It is my job to structure these interactions so that they are frequent, positive, and enhance (not distract from) student learning. It is also my job to make sure that the relationship between me and each of my students is consistently positive and caring.
Organization
Organization may not seem to be directly related to classroom management. Howver, being well organized and prepared for a lesson allows the teacher to focus on student learning and behavior.
This online calendar (left) was posted on my class Moodle site. The calendar allowed students and parents to check due dates and test dates when they are home. It is also a good resource for students when they are absent as it shows what we do in class each day. The in-class calendar (above left) is located at the front of the classroom on the whiteboard. On this calendar, students can see what activities and homework assignments are coming up this week. The Schoology screenshot (above right) is what students see on the class website. You can see how everything is organized into folders by investigation (unit) and chronologically within the folder. On the right side of this picture students can see upcoming due dates.
This online calendar (left) was posted on my class Moodle site. The calendar allowed students and parents to check due dates and test dates when they are home. It is also a good resource for students when they are absent as it shows what we do in class each day. The in-class calendar (above left) is located at the front of the classroom on the whiteboard. On this calendar, students can see what activities and homework assignments are coming up this week. The Schoology screenshot (above right) is what students see on the class website. You can see how everything is organized into folders by investigation (unit) and chronologically within the folder. On the right side of this picture students can see upcoming due dates.
Observation Notes (by Program Coordinator)
The observation notes below were written by my TPC program coordinator. She observed a lesson were students presented concepts related to a laboratory activity completed the previous day. In her notes, she points out several ways that I have created a positive learning environment (these are highlighter). Some of the highlights include the positive relationships I have with my students, high student engagement, and how comfortable students are asking questions.
Lab Safety
A good classroom environment is a safe one. We discuss the lab safety rules together. Then students work in groups to make a poster to represent one of the rules. These posters are displayed in the classroom throughout the year. Students were also assessed on lab safety via a quiz and a section of an exam.
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Syllabus
This is the syllabus that I gave to my 8th grade students in 2015. It is a document that I will continue to modify throughout the years.
Classroom ArrangmentI alter the arrangement my classroom to fit the activities we will be doing in class. For example, the arrangement shown in the picture on the left is suited to large group discussion. The arrangement shown picture on the right is suited to smaller group instruction and activities. Other times, tables are arranged into even smaller pods for cooperative groupwork. There will be a seating chart for the majority of the year so that students work with people that they might not choose on their own. Each individual needs to be able to see the board without moving or straining. There should be room for me to walk between all desks so that I can easily monitor, provide guidance, and check for understanding.
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Synthesis
Creating a positive learning environment management is one of the most important skills a teacher must have. Without it, learning cannot occur. I want students to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their opinions. The keys to creating a positive learning environment are effective classroom management and building relationships with students.