Classroom Management - Creating a Learning Environment

Effective Teaching and Learning Department

Activity• Answer the following questions:

– What does creating a learning environment mean to you and what do you hope to learn about creating a learning environment?

– How does the learning environment relate to classroom management?

Discussion

• What would you like to learn about classroom management during this session?

Seven things students want to know on the first day…

• Am I in the right room?

• Where am I supposed to sit?

• What are the rules of the classroom?

• What will we be doing this term?

• How will I be graded?

• Who are you as a person?

• Will I be treated as a human being?

“There Is Only One First Day of School”

Harry Wong, August 2000

Instructor Responsibilities

• Ensure an appropriate pace and effective use of classroom time through course planning

• Keep discussion and activities focused on learning objectives

• Maintain a positive learning environment

Classroom Environment

• All students are unsure of what to expect when they enter a classroom for the first time—every time

• Instructors must create a personable, professional environment at all times

• Students feel welcome when:– Called by name– Greeted by the instructor

• What else can we do?

Elements of a positive learning environment…

• Respect diverse backgrounds and learning styles

• Consistent and fair treatment of all students

• Maintain confidentiality and privacy in student records and issues

• Ensure that the classroom is a safe, welcoming place for students

• Model appropriate classroom behavior

Breaking the Ice

• Why Icebreakers?– To begin developing an environment

that is comfortable and conducive to learning

• Welcome and warm-up exercises– Remove obstacles to communication– Bring people together– Create a sense of community

Day One

• Some examples of activities you could do with your class are:

– Autograph sheet – sample provided

– Syllabus bingo

– Student interviews

From Breaking the Ice to ‘Warming’ the Climate for Learning

• The climate is the atmosphere between the teacher and the students

•Research suggests that few other factors produce a more lasting impact on learning than the professor’s approval or disapproval of the student’s work, and their in-class interactions

Sandra Allen, Columbia College ChicagoEffective Strategies for Improving College

Teaching and Learning www.FacultyFocus.com

Key Aspects for Creating a “Warm” Climate for Learning

1. The teacher’s praise or approval

2. Enthusiasm for and use of students’ own ideas

3. Teacher-student interaction

Developing Strong Relationships

• Establish trust within the classroom• Handle discipline issues individually• Use discipline sparingly to support classroom

needs• Manage and attend to the needs of all the

students in the class• Reinforce positive behavior• Learn and use student names

Using Students to Create Rules

• One of the best ways to create a positive environment is to create ground rules WITH students, not for them

• This can be done as a team-building exercise on the first day, after you go through the syllabus– It is important to ensure that the students

know that you have the first right of refusal for certain things, but this can help create a positive environment for all

– You may want to add a statement to your syllabus that explains any material or topic you plan to introduce that is sensitive or controversial

Activity

• Two volunteers needed

Activity

• Two volunteers needed

Muddiest Point

• On the last page of your handout, write your answer to both of the following questions:

– What still confuses you about classroom management?

– What do you plan to do as a result of this session?

Resource

Questions?