ARRANGING THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

The Academy of the Arts at

Henry Snyder High School

Presented by: Diane TormanSIG Supervisor, Curriculum &

Instruction/Professional Development

The Learning Environment

Goals:Examine how classroom environments affect learning.Think about suggestions for improving the environment.Create a checklist for ensuring a positive environment.

What the Research says…

Research has shown that the physical arrangement of the classroomaffects both student and teacher behaviors (Savage, 1999; Stewart & Evans, 1997; Weinstein, 1992) improves student academic and behavioral outcomes (MacAulay, 1990; Walker, Colvin, & Ramsey, 1995; Walker & Walker, 1991).symbolizes what teachers value in behavior and learningtriggers fewer behavior problemsestablishes a climate conducive to learning

Factors that Support Teaching/Learning

Classroom Management

Classroom management is the process of establishing

and maintaining an effective learning environment.

Successful teachers place more emphasis on classroom management than on their roles as authority figures or disciplinarians.

What is Classroom Management

It’s effective disciplineIt’s being prepared for classIt’s motivating your studentsIt’s providing a safe, comfortable

learning environmentIt’s building your students’ self

esteemIt’s being creative and imaginative in

daily lessons

What is Classroom Management

And . . . . . It’s different for EVERYONE!! WHY?

Teaching StylesPersonality/AttitudesStudent populationNot all management strategies are

effective for every teacherTry different strategies to see if they

work for you

Why is Classroom Management Important?

Satisfaction and enjoyment in teaching are dependent upon leading students to cooperate

Classroom management issues are of highest concern for beginning teachers

Principles for successful classroom management

Deal with disruptive behaviors but also manage to minimize off-task, non-disruptive behaviors

Teach students to manage their own behavior

Students learn to be on-task and engaged in the learning activities you have planned for them It is more natural to be off-task than on

Techniques for Better Classroom Control

•Over plan your lessons to ensure you fill the period with learning activities

•Come to class prepared

•Show confidence in your teaching

•Learn student names as quickly as possible

 

Keys to Good Classroom Management

Make classroom arrangement consistent with one's teaching philosophy.

Keep high-traffic areas free from congestion.

Ensure that students can be seen easily by the teacher.

Keep frequently used materials and student supplies readily accessible.

Be certain students can easily see whole-class presentations and displays.

Student Engagement

Student engagement and on-task behaviors are dependent on how smoothly and efficiently teachers move from one learning activity to another

The Goal:Increase the variety of learning activities but decrease transition time.

Student Engagement

Allocated time: the time periods you intend for your students to be

engaged in learning activitiesTransition time:

time periods that exist between times allocated for learning activities

Examples Getting students assembled and attentive Assigning reading and directing to begin Getting students’ attention away from reading and

preparing for class discussion

Physical Environment

Arranging a positive learning environment should: Meet the needs of the students Meet the philosophy of the teacher Address the content area of the classroom Take into account the age and the developmental needs of the studentsFoster collaborative relationshipsAddress the academic and emotional needs of studentsSet the tone for social interactionsEstablish administrative philosophies

Planning & Conducting Classroom Instruction

Planning classroom activities: types‣Openers to transition into the classroom (Do Now’s) and Closers

‣Checking work: must teach appropriate procedures

‣Discussion: encourage evaluation, awareness of other points of view, sharing of opinions; requires planning prompting questions and management of activity.

‣Small-group work: lab work, promote greater comprehension, cooperative learning, reciprocal teaching

Setting the Tone

Cooperation through CommunicationVerbalize descriptions of behaviors and

never value judgments about individualsVerbalize feelings but remain in controlDO NOT USE SARCASMDo not place labels (good or bad)Do not get students hooked on praise

Praise the work and behavior – not the students themselves

Classroom Environment

Take advantage of the first days of class. It is much easier to establish this environment from the beginning rather than late.

Establish an environment in which achieving specified learning goals takes priority over other concerns

Be particularly prepared and organizedMinimize transition timeUtilize a communication style that promotes a

non-threatening, comfortable environmentClearly establish expectations for conduct

ClassroomEnvironment

Print Rich EnvironmentCurrent student workTeacher created anchor charts (from mini

lessons)Poster identifying the unit themeEssential QuestionsCore novel character and summary chartsVarious rubrics (reading, writing, math.

Social studies, projects)

Classroom Libraries

Well stocked and neatly organizedMultiple reading levels indicatedEasily accessible for students to borrow with lending system established

Variety of genres

Classroom Library

Classroom Library

Classroom ManagementClassroom Management of

Language Arts Class

Daily schedule of literacy blockRules postedHomework assignments and deadlines posted daily

Task board for organization of hubsLesson objective clearly posted and/or stated

Writing Process

Word Word Walls WALLS

Reflects ongoing instructionVaried word walls (including all content areas)

Display is easily read by studentsInteractive for students to gain meaning

Content Area Word Walls

ThinkPair ShareWhat is your favorite classroom management

tip?