19/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Teaching EnvironmentCURS4160Curriculum Studies - MathsDavid KefferUOIT Student #10025768219th October, 2004
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Teaching Environment
• This project will examine a specific Grade 8 classroom and school environment according to • physical environment considerations
• resource availability considerations
• other considerations which might be pertinent
19/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Physical Environment
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Physical Environment• Classroom size
• classroom is large enough to accommodate class comfortably, and allow for different desk layouts
• desks are sufficient for number of students (currently twenty-nine)
• more desks are available if class size increases• Classroom layout
• classroom was originally laid out as indicated in the following slide
• teacher reconfigures class layout as required
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Classroom Layout
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Classroom Layout
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Physical Environment• Proximity of students
• students currently too close to each other, and some talkative groups have formed
• teacher has reconfigured desk layout once, and will do so again shortly
• Physical space - board space• more space would be useful, but is not essential
• Physical space - wall space for work• back wall is available for student honour work• other wall space is available for other class work
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Physical Environment• Lighting, windows
• classroom is well lit – there are two large windows alone one wall
• Sound (internal and external)• normal sound levels are comfortable, except
during corridor movement (noise level increases during group-work, as expected)
• Ventilation, fans, air conditioning• no A/C, but two fans, and one window opens• ventilation is good with window open and fans on
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Physical Environment• Temperature
• comfortable when regulated by fans and window• Entry/exit procedures
• class enters/exits through shared stairwell and door near classroom (also fire exit)
• entry and exit normally orderly, supervised by teachers
• Cafeteria or lunch room• no cafeteria / lunch room – students eat in
classroom or schoolyard
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Physical Environment• Waste disposal and recycling
• each classroom has waste bin and blue box (mixed)
• Security, cameras, metal detectors• hall and yard security provided by teachers• no cameras or metal detectors currently in school
• Location of school• school is located in a growing subdivision, NE of
Taunton and Wilson Roads in Oshawa• there is residential housing S and W of school, and
agricultural N and E of school
19/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Availability of Resources
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Availability of Resources• Computers and Internet access
• classroom has four networked computers and a laser printer, with internet access for all computers
• equipment is for use by other students as needed• additional computers and printers are available in
the library and in some other classrooms• Overhead projectors and other multimedia
• several OH projectors and a data projector are available within school, requested as needed
• more overhead projectors are currently on order
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Availability of Resources• PA/intercom/phone
• each classroom is equipped with an intercom system for communication with office
• Science and laboratory equipment• science classrooms have equipment as required
for teaching science curriculum expectations• Textbooks, handouts
• some texts are kept on shelves in classroom, others are kept in adjacent storage room
• handouts are produced by teacher as required
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Availability of Resources
Consumable supplies• students provide paper, binders, pens, markers,
geometry instruments, and daily planner (purchased from the school)
• the school provides most other consumables, including construction and drawing paper, coloured pencils for the lower grades, and (ostensibly) all teachers’ supplies
• students are encouraged to bring in contributions from home, such as tissues, paper towels and soap – students are rewarded for this
19/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Additional Considerations
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Additional Considerations• Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• six students in the class have IEPs, and require accommodations on assignments and assessments
• Behavioural problems• several other students have behavioural problems,
which must be dealt with on daily basis• Family and other social difficulties
• several students have family difficulties, which affect their performance
• students experience typical social difficulties according to their level of maturity and development
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Additional Considerations
• Timetabling, order of subjects• this is apparently not an issue in this school
• Rotation of subjects• only Science and Geography rotated between
two Grade 8 classes, one teacher for each• leaves students in same classroom for most of
week, in more familiar environment with teacher they know better
• Policies (eg. visit locker, dress code, etc.)• affect all students equally – not significant issue
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Additional Considerations• Administrative duties load
• some administrative duties difficult for teachers, taking away from prep time
• time also taken with assemblies, masses, etc.• Support of school administration
• school seems to be close community (Catholic), with strong administrative support
• principal new to school this year, so not yet clear• Extracurricular activities – compulsory?
• these are on a voluntary basis only
19/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Conclusion
14/10/2004David Keffer
UOIT Student #100257682
Conclusion• classroom and school environment are of
considerable significance to teaching• variable factors in either can augment or
degrade quality of the teaching and learning experience
• teachers must consider these factors carefully as they plan their teaching strategies and practice
• many environmental factors are variable, and can be modified if the teacher is aware