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The Effective Classroom Environment

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Submitted By MrsPeddy2013
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The Effective Classroom Environment

The environment created by the teacher in his/her classroom can have a positive or negative effect on student learning. In the school that I work in, this presents a formidable challenge. There is no way around it, MHS is an ugly building. The main walls are orange and yellow and there are virtually no walls between the classrooms. It was built in the 1970’s with an open classroom concept. This “experiment” proved to be an absolute failure. Teachers could not hear students, students could hear lessons going on in other rooms; confusion and noise abounded. Since its original construction, some temporary cubicle-type walls have been put in place but they have not solved the problem. The walls that do exist remain a loud “in your face” orange and yellow. The “mood” created by these colors is not relaxing or conducive to learning. In an attempt to combat this, I try to create a classroom that has a calming, positive and friendly atmosphere. In order to mask the color scheme, I display a lot of student work and put up a variety of other decorations and information. I have created separate sections for each class, a section for student rewards (called the 100 Board), a section for school information, and several smaller sections of miscellaneous education-related and insightful notices and posters. A theme of diversity, tolerance, and achievement is emphasized throughout. Displaying student work is an excellent way to enhance self-esteem and create an environment where students feel proud of their work and strive for excellence. Students that realize their work will be displayed, generally try harder, and are more engaged. They also take “ownership” in the classroom and feel more “at home” with a teacher that values their work. Additionally, the type of work that is displayed usually differs from the everyday worksheet or class notes session. Projects, drawings, and decorative work allow students who are more visual and artistic to shine. They are able to demonstrate to the teacher and their classmates a level of understanding in the material that may otherwise go unnoticed. A unique feature of my room is called the 100 Board. It is used to represent all of those students that have received a 100 on a quiz or exam. When I first decided to do this, I wasn’t sure if it would work with older adolescents. It is based upon the practice of a parent that puts their young child’s work on the refrigerator. I was pleasantly surprised to witness how much students of this age like this feature of my room. Not only does it allow students to shine, it also creates a mini-competition for achieving excellence. Students that would not normally care about their grades, really want to become part of the 100 Club, especially once one of their friends has made it. As we have learned, adolescents are constantly seeking approval and a sense of belonging. Although this is a relatively informal association, students still feel that sense of belonging with this connection. In order to make the experience even more special, I have created a ceremony where students write their name on a decorative card and place the card on the board in front of their peers. Many posters with informative and positive messages also appear in my room. Since they are all in Spanish, students enjoy trying to figure out their meaning. Words of encouragement such as “Lets Learn Together” and “Something Great Will be the Result of a Good Attitude” are on the posters. Other posters foster diversity and the uniqueness of the individual. These help the students to feel welcome and comfortable in my classroom. Some of these posters say such things as “Have the Strength to be Yourself” and “Everyone Smiles in the Same Language”. They depict students of different races, shapes, and sizes and also strong, confident animals like the lion. Posters that alert students to the rules and their consequences are also presented. They list the rules of the classroom and the consequences of breaking those rules are presented in a non-threatening and amusing manner. Students of this age still need structure and guidance. They are not able either physically (lack of development of the frontal cortex) or emotionally to deal with much of the decision making in their lives. Having clear-cut rules available can actually be a comfort to some students. They know what they can and cannot do, and are not worried about being surprised by discipline measures that they were not expecting. Posters that advise and assist are also offered. These posters offer helpful hints and suggestions for success that the student may not have thought of. A perfect example of this is my poster that gives “Five Steps To Get Organized”. Another poster reminds students to “Think Before You Speak”. This is a simple message but can serve as a gentle reminder to remain appropriate and on task. Decorations and the fun Spanish posters are also strategically placed in the room to add a pop of color and create a happy mood. These posters are more than likely created for the elementary classroom but are very cheery and are well liked by my students. I often have students tell me that my classroom is one of the nicest, cheeriest places in the school. In addition to what is on the walls, I also pay special attention to the seating arrangement. My preferred arrangement is one of desks in a “U” shape. This shape enables me to see each student and for them to see me as well as the whiteboard and other media items (TV or Smart board). This shape also produces the least amount of obstacles between the student and myself, thus allowing sound (including student voices) to travel uninhibited to all corners of the room. This is particularly important in our school, since no permanent walls exist and the atmosphere is very noisy and distracting. Another key feature of this desk arrangement is the ease with which I can assist a student on a one to one basis. I have no obstacles in my path to their desk and I am able to walk around the classroom freely. Knowing this, I believe my students are more likely to seek my help. In conclusion, students need an environment that is conducive to learning and that meets all of their needs. Classrooms should foster diversity, the uniqueness of the individual, the importance of academic achievement and good behavior, and most of all should be a pleasant place to be. If all of these criteria are met, students will feel better about the class, the teacher, and themselves. They will try harder to achieve and be more engaged in the entire classroom experience.

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