CREATING A POSITIVE CLASSROOM

EXPERIENCE TO PROMOTE LEARNING

By Abby Monaghan & Sam Bruehl

"The environment of the classroom is a direct expression of the educational philosophy and it takes an active part in the educational process." (Proshansky & Wolfe, 1975)

PURPOSE

• Investigate how classroom environment, teacher attitude, and the teaching methods implemented in the classroom influence a child’s learning and experiences in elementary school

• Research real life application of methods that contribute to positive classroom experience for children involving these three factors

SIGNIFICANCE OF OUR PROJECT

• The importance of the relationship between classroom atmosphere and positive student learning experiences in elementary school

• Teacher Attitude

• Teaching Methods

• Classroom Environment• These factors also directly influence teacher-student

relationships, and perception of student understanding held by both the teacher and the students

GUIDING QUESTIONS AND IDEAS

• How do the different influences on children’s education development, as described in the niche model of development, work to create a positive or negative classroom experience?

• What can a teacher do to create a positive classroom learning experience for all children, keeping in mind the way the three factors of the niche model work to influence development?

Challenges in Identifying Environmental Factors that Promote Effective Learning

-What is effective learning? (No agreed upon definition)-Difficult to measure the learning process and achievement outcomes -Physical aspects of school environments are varied-Diversity of the students-Diversity of teachers

Teacher Attitude: Creating Goals

-A teacher's attitude and approach to students, lessons, and potential of the classroom is crucial to student learning -Research shows that positive relationships between learning and achievement exist among students who focus primarily on setting learning goals versus those whose main focus is performance goals

-How can a teacher promote learning goal-oriented behavior within the classroom?• Model this type of behavior and acknowledge

mistakes• Make assessments varied and accommodate for

those with special learning needs• Emphasize life-long learning and  revision of work

Harter's Proposed Relationship between competency and performance to reflect the role of the physical environment:Competence in domains where success is important                                                              +Physical environment supports development of competence                                        +                                                            Acceptance, support, and regard from significant others                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Self Worth                                                                                                                                                                                                 Motivation                                                                                                                           Academic Performance

The Constructivist Approach to Teaching

*Constructivist Theory- Knowledge can't be directly transmitted but must be actively constructed by learners and must be meaningful (Piaget) How can a teacher apply this teaching approach to the classroom?-use of hands-on activities-relate material to student's lives-multi-media approach while teaching-integrative learning between disciplines -should connect to past learningex. POE (Prediction-Observation-Explanation) Procedure-                 1. Students make predictions about results of demonstration                   & give justifications            2.  Observe/ take part in the demonstration            3.   Explain discrepancies between predictions & observations

Self-Esteem & the Environment

-Young children's self-esteem can be influenced by specific aspects of classroom's physical environment as they develop-Research has found that a sense of accomplishment and competence is related to the physical classroom environment when children are:•     allowed to get their own supplies•     given task-appropriate work space•     shielded from constant interruption•     given moderate levels of stimulation•     have personalized areas of the classroom where

they can observe aspects of their self in the environmento artworko mirrorso photographs                                                           

Effects of Poor Environmental Conditions on Student's Learning-First Level: Material- the condition of the classroom directly impedes student learning -Second Level: Social Interactions- teachers, administrators, and other members of the school community may themselves be frustrated over the classroom conditions or lack of resources and in response create an unwelcoming environment

-Third Level: Cultural & Socioeconomic- environmental factors give students messages about their place and value in society

How can teachers make their classroom a safe haven amongst a school in poor condition or lacking resources?

Conclusions

• Teachers are the most influential factor in determining learning and success of students because their  approach influences teaching methods and the physical classroom environment

• This creates a certain classroom "atmosphere" that the students will respond to positively or negatively, which affects their motivation to learn 

• Teaching methods & physical classroom set-up flow from teacher attitude; these should be flexible keeping in mind the needs of your unique group of individuals

How can you apply this information to your future classroom?-Awareness of ALL your students -Forming strong relationships with students based on respect & trust-Creating a "home-like" environment in the classroom-Awareness of how classroom set-up will affect student behavior and address their needs-Willingness to be flexible and make changes in teaching methods & classroom set-up

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