Learning Environment

The standard of Learning Environment promotes the creation of a respectful, safe, and positive classroom atmosphere through the use of appropriate and consistent routines and procedures.  The importance of the standard rests with the fact that students’ learning remains conducive only if the classroom atmosphere centers around students and provides a dependable structure. In order for students to be successful and listen to or accept the rules, routines, and procedures of a class, a teacher must show that they care about the personal and academic success of his or her students. To illustrate a comprehensive understanding of the standard, educators must effectively utilize resources, routines, and procedures in the classroom to indicate that they recognize the difference between positive and negative classroom management and organization.

Classroom Management

  • Effective classroom management looks different in each class. Some classrooms have many rules and procedures and other rooms do not. I prefer classes that have good structure and well thought out routines and procedures, not just long lists of rules and things to remember. The kindergarten classroom had many posters with the rules and expectations around the classroom. Student behavior is tracked through a chart at the front of the room.
The rules of the classroom posted at the front of the room.
The procedure for a fire drill posted at the back door through which students exit during the drill.
Expectations for a good paper.
Students sing a song to match these words each time before they leave the classroom.

Classroom Organization

  • A room that is messy or unorganized means more time off-task and longer transition periods. Items necessary for the classroom to function should be kept in clearly marked places, making it easier for everyone to find. In my kindergarten classroom, students keep their pencil pouches, journals, and extra supplies in a 3-drawer plastic container at their desks. Materials for reading groups are kept in labeled bins for each group at the appropriate locations. Books for reading are kept in bins separated by subject. Students’ seats around the classroom are changed every month to ensure interaction with new friends throughout the school year.
Reading group bins at the front of the classroom.
Classroom books categorized at the back of the room.

Working With Students

  • Working with students happens in a whole group setting, one-on-one, and in small groups. A teacher creates an effective learning environment when he or she varies the settings in which they work with students.
Working with students in a whole group setting on the weather of the day during calendar time.
Working one-on-one with a student on his handwriting during independent work.
Working with a student one-on-one on her handwriting during remediation at the end of the day.

For further discussion, see my Professional Practice Standards paper.