Classroom Environment Physical Condition of the Classroom Managing

Classroom Environment

Physical Condition of the Classroom

Managing the physical environment n Planning and arranging the physical setup of the clssroom is a logical starting point for classroom management

Structuring the Physical Environment n Desk arrangements n Student placement n Classroom decoration

Desk Arrangement n Desks in groups, with students facing each other, can help stimulate student discussion Source: http: //www. bbc. co. uk/schools/

Desk Arrangement n Desks in single or double rows are good for demonstrations and independent work Source: http: //www. babble. com

Desk Arrangement n Desks in u-shapes are recommended where possible source: http: //www. hck 12. net/kes/

Desk Arrangement n Desks in workstations are suited for students who have developed self management skills Source: http: //www. thevillageschool. com

Student Placement n Place easily distracted students away from each other, doorways, windows and areas of high traffic n Preferably, place to one side of the classroom, close to the front n An inclusive classroom should place students in areas of the class best suited to their needs

Classroom Decoration n Students like to see their own work displayed, even in High Schools n Class-made posters help students develop a sense of belonging to the classroom n Plants and animals can have positive effects on the classroom (Nicholls, 2006)

Structuring the Emotional Environment “It is the teacher’s responsibility to value each and every one of the students in their class, so that each student feels special and important. ” (Groundwater. Smith et al, 1998, p. 95)

Structuring the Emotional Environment n The bond between a teacher and student is much more important for students with management and behavioural issues such as ADHD and Asperger’s.

Structuring the Emotional Environment n ADHD – Students need extra motivation so they can maintain attention, work consistently, and avoid boredom associated with repetitive tasks. (eg. Maths) n Asperger’s – A bond with the teacher can encourage, inspire and greatly assist them.

Strategies n Greet students personally n Make frequent eye contact n Negotiate rules and routines with students n Acknowledge positive behaviours n Use positive language n Interact with students outside the classroom

Strategies n Minimise embarrassment n Use humour n Use bibliotherapy n Use class meetings (Konza et al, 2001, p. 30 -33) n Take home buddies n Yellow pages(Lacey, 2006, p. 31)

Self-esteem Defined n An individual's sense of their value or worth, or the extent to which a person values, approves of, appreciates, prizes, or likes him or herself (Blascovich & Tomaka, 1991). n A favourable or unfavourable attitude toward the self (Rosenberg, 1965)

Self-esteem Breakdown n Earned Self-esteem: develops when students have accomplished something worthwhile or behaved in a personally or socially responsible way. – A product of achievement, not the cause – Achievement leads to self-esteem (Mc. Grath, 2003) n Global Self-esteem: a general sense of pride in oneself. – Not necessarily a reality-based evaluation – Self-esteem leads to achievement (Shokraii, 2005)

Implications for Teachers? n Don’t disregard self-esteem n Focus on techniques that will result in increased earned self-esteem n Don't shield students from feelings of sadness, frustration, and anxiety when they lose, fail or make mistakes n Teach resiliency and self-control

Creating an effective physical classroom environment is important: n The physical environment reflects the expectations of the teacher of how the room should be used. n Well-organized classroom can stimulate learning, help building a classroom community and will help students to be self-motivated, disciplined and responsible

Physical conditions to consider: n Cleanliness, light and temperature of the room. n Bulletin board, white board display n Seating arrangement

n Learning areas depending on the grade to teach n Adequate and organized places for students to put their belonging n A calendar n Plants to make the classroom more welcoming

Creating a positive classroom climate:

1 - Creating a learning milieu: Learning- oriented classroom: n The focus should be on learning rather than production. n The ultimate objective: To equip learners with valued knowledge, skills and attitudes.