Classroom Management - Creating a Learning Environment

1. Classroom Management - Creating a Learning Environment Effective Teaching and Learning Department

2. 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?

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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?

7. 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

8. 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

9. Day One • Some examples of activities you could do with your class are: • Autograph sheet – sample provided • Syllabus bingo • Student interviews

10. 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 Chicago Effective Strategies for Improving College Teaching and Learning www.FacultyFocus.com

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Activity • Two volunteers needed

15. Activity • Two volunteers needed

16. 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?

17. Resource

18. Questions?