Learning Outcome #5: Manage Classrooms Structured in a Variety of Ways to Promote a Safe Learning Environment
Creating and promoting a safe learning environment is key in the educational discourse; every student should feel safe and comfortable in their classrooms. This causes the students to feel as if they can be themselves. This also reveals the importance of caring about our students and their education. This kind of community within a classroom begins with a teacher who is confident and stern when the students are first met. I have grown as a teacher, because originally I went in thinking that I want the students to like me, and that kind of mind set will seriously throw off the management of the classroom. These students are not only building their education, but also their life skills consisting of responsibility, respect, and relationships.
Promoting a safe learning environment can mean a plethora of things. For example, the way students learn. It is important to find these elements out for each students being taught. Some students might be deathly afraid of speaking out and in front of the class, or another might hate working in groups with other people. These are things that need to be dealt with in a safe and progressive manor. Through getting to know one another, a comfortable community was developed. I rarely had discipline issues with my seniors; however, my 8th graders are talkative, which can get them into trouble from time to time. In Homer, every student has to stay 10th period if they are in a sport, so the teachers take turns who gets that “study hall” that day. The students have to check in and if they need to go somewhere else they need a pass. I had numerous students staying 10th period; it was a Friday, the students didn’t have homework, and they were completely rambunctious. I only let one student leave at a time if they needed to use the bathroom or retrieve something in their locker, but no matter what I did the students were increasingly getting louder. One student hadn’t come back for about ten minutes, and this moment turned into this idea that one of the students could go look for the other without asking me. I ended up giving two students lunch-detention, and they were sent down to the office. The next time I had tenth period I made sure it was a silent study hall, and if the students didn’t have work, I made sure they found something to do. Being stern as opposed to being nice is more safe and beneficial for everyone in the long run.
I really believe that the way the classroom is set up sets the tone of the environment the students walk into. Rows tend to lean more toward a teacher-centered classroom, however it is needed for things like tests and quizzes. I tried keeping my desks either in groups, pairs, or the u-shape promoting discussion and collaboration. Not only that, but I make sure to stand out in the hallway to greet every student who walks in the door with a smile and a hello because it truly sets the mood. If one student is having a bad day or no one has spoken to him or her at all, it lightens their mood; it helps them realize that someone does care, does pay attention, and does notice them. I also try to make it to student games, and or any activities outside of the classroom because believe it or not, taking that next step proves to the students that you want to be a part of their lives. This type of behavior creates a safe environment.
Class Night Flyer
Peer Formation
Promoting a safe learning environment can mean a plethora of things. For example, the way students learn. It is important to find these elements out for each students being taught. Some students might be deathly afraid of speaking out and in front of the class, or another might hate working in groups with other people. These are things that need to be dealt with in a safe and progressive manor. Through getting to know one another, a comfortable community was developed. I rarely had discipline issues with my seniors; however, my 8th graders are talkative, which can get them into trouble from time to time. In Homer, every student has to stay 10th period if they are in a sport, so the teachers take turns who gets that “study hall” that day. The students have to check in and if they need to go somewhere else they need a pass. I had numerous students staying 10th period; it was a Friday, the students didn’t have homework, and they were completely rambunctious. I only let one student leave at a time if they needed to use the bathroom or retrieve something in their locker, but no matter what I did the students were increasingly getting louder. One student hadn’t come back for about ten minutes, and this moment turned into this idea that one of the students could go look for the other without asking me. I ended up giving two students lunch-detention, and they were sent down to the office. The next time I had tenth period I made sure it was a silent study hall, and if the students didn’t have work, I made sure they found something to do. Being stern as opposed to being nice is more safe and beneficial for everyone in the long run.
I really believe that the way the classroom is set up sets the tone of the environment the students walk into. Rows tend to lean more toward a teacher-centered classroom, however it is needed for things like tests and quizzes. I tried keeping my desks either in groups, pairs, or the u-shape promoting discussion and collaboration. Not only that, but I make sure to stand out in the hallway to greet every student who walks in the door with a smile and a hello because it truly sets the mood. If one student is having a bad day or no one has spoken to him or her at all, it lightens their mood; it helps them realize that someone does care, does pay attention, and does notice them. I also try to make it to student games, and or any activities outside of the classroom because believe it or not, taking that next step proves to the students that you want to be a part of their lives. This type of behavior creates a safe environment.
Class Night Flyer
Peer Formation