The Classroom The Classroom Learning EnvironmentLearning Environment

Chapter 4

Become an Effective TeacherBecome an Effective Teacher

Minimum of Classroom Distractions◦Apply your knowledge of your students to

create a pleasant classroom experience◦Initiate, practice and develop model behaviors

that facilitate learning◦Create a conducive learning environment

Based on what you have learned Based on what you prefer Based on school/district mandates Based on educational ethics and law

Conducive Classroom Learning Conducive Classroom Learning EnvironmentEnvironment

Emotionally safeImportant content and skillsValue content and participationSingle, most important factor influencing

student learning

PerceptionsPerceptions

IMPORTANT!Believe in yourselfBelieve in your students

◦If you think they cannot learn, they will not.What do good teachers do?

◦Know, when given support that all students can learn

◦Expect the best◦Establish an environment that motivates

students◦Manage efficiently

PerceptionsPerceptions

How much you know will not matter unless students perceive that◦The classroom environment is supportive.◦You care about their learning.◦You respect them as human beings.◦They are welcome in your class.◦Expectations are challenging but not

impossible.◦Outcomes are worthy of their time and effort.

Classroom ControlClassroom Control

1800’s◦Discipline, punishment◦Few finished 4th grade◦Theory assumed that all children were bad.◦Inappropriate behavior was students’ fault and

must be punished

Classroom ControlClassroom Control

1900’s◦Students still misbehaving.◦Punitive measures did not work.◦Era of progressive behavior

Children learn through play, experimentation, inquiry.

Children should have a voice in what they learn◦Teachers’ job was to provide rich learning

experiences

Classroom ControlClassroom Control

Today◦Classroom control, not discipline◦Best teachers are in control of the events

taking place in the classroom.◦Classroom management and organization

Prevent inappropriate behavior. Help students develop self control. Have procedures in place to take care of

misbehavior.◦Eclectic philosophy

B. F. SkinnerB. F. Skinner

Behavior Modification◦Identify the behavior to be modified◦Record how often and when that behavior

occurs◦Change by reinforcing desired behavior with

positive reinforcement◦Choose appropriate reinforcement

Use of computers for creativity (monitored)◦A PowerPoint instead of a paper

Choices of how to use free time Passes for missed homework, extra points, etc.

CanterCanter

Assertive Discipline◦You have professional rights as an educator◦Students will choose how to behave in your

room◦Clearly state expectation in firm voice and

explain boundaries◦Plan a system of positive consequences

Positive call/letter/e-mail home Certificates of award Special privileges

◦Follow through

DreikursDreikurs

Logical Consequences◦Be fair, firm and friendly.◦Involve students in developing and

implementing rules.◦Logical consequences for misbehavior

Graffiti◦Peer pressure◦Show respect for self and others.◦Reason to belong.◦Recognize/encourage student achievement◦Recognize, but do not reward, students seeking

attention, power or revenge.

GlasserGlasser

Reality Therapy◦Conditions of the present rule!◦Students have a responsibility to learn while at

school and to maintain appropriate behavior.◦Students can make appropriate choices.◦Class meetings◦Students need to feel like they belong, are

loved, in control, have freedom, can have fun.◦If they do not, they will fail.

GinottGinott

Communication Model◦Send messages about the situation, not about

the child.◦Model the behavior you want.◦Send positive messages.

Express feelings appropriately. Acknowledge student feelings. Give appropriate direction. Invite cooperation.

JonesJones

Jones Model◦Properly structure your classroom so that

students understand the rule and procedures.◦Maintain control by selecting appropriate

instructional strategies.◦Build patterns of cooperative work.◦Develop backup methods for dealing with

inappropriate student behavior.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHzTUYAOkPM