Classroom Management, Term Paper Example

Summary

Positive Learning Environment – Primary, argues educators to combat childhood communications problems by changing children’s learning environments. Teachers, they say, should use neutral, calming colors to decorate their classrooms, rather than over stimulating bold ones. They should make children’s accomplishments, rather than busy decorations, the center of attention. They should create cozy places to facilitate communication and interaction between students. They should decorate in ways that encourage exploration. They should also try to make their classrooms welcoming, home-like and cozy, and they should make use of environmental space.

Evaluation

The Positive Learning Environments video scores 12 out of 15 points for currency. Since it was made in 2006, it is not completely new, but it was made within the last five years. In terms of content, it scores 30 out of 35. The information is very useful for curriculum and planning, it is completely focused on engaging the interest of students, the information it shows is very unique and much of the content is based on research – but more information on whether or not forest-school education actually improved learning would have been helpful.

In terms of authority, the resource ranks 20 out of 25. The video contained footage of qualified teachers and researchers, but it was not clear who the narrator was or what qualifications he might have had — nor was it clear how recent the experience of the others was.

In terms of navigation, the site ranks 14 out of 15 points. The page was easy to navigate and both it and the video were visually appealing – however, some of the links on the page were broken.

Treatment (14): The biases in this video are quite clear and the subject matter was audience-appropriate, but traditional classrooms were stereotyped. The complete score for the presentation, then, is 90 – making it an excellent source.

Compare and Contrast

Both videos focus on engaging children in learning, helping them socialize, and creating environments that encourage exploration. Both focus on allowing young students to get involved in outdoor activities. But the Building Blocks video focuses on bright colors, numeracy, literacy, and problem solving, whereas the Positive Learning Environments video focuses on using neutral colors and encouraging creativity and communication. The Building Blocks video focuses on large, open spaces, while the Positive Environments video focuses on creating smaller, cozy spaces. The building blocks video stresses the importance of structure and order, while the positive environments video focuses on the children’s ideas.

References

“Professional Skills – Positive Learning Environment – Primary.” 20 December 2006. Teachers.TV. 16 May 2010 <http://www.teachers.tv/videos/17831>.

Learning  Journal

Notes on the Positive Environments Video:

Classroom Layout is important, as is the use of outdoor spaces. Avoiding overstimulation is key to creating a calming learning environment. The goal is to improve communication. Spacious, calm, well-organized, uncluttered areas help the background “fade away” and bring children’s accomplishments into focus. Teachers replaced colorful equipment with natural materials.

Provocation is the goal of most of the layout. The environment is there to encourage kids to investigate. Pupil independence is important. So are little, “intimate” spaces. Teachers are encouraged to make use of every cranny and to encourage talking and communication. They are to “leave things open-ended “ to let children respond according to interests, space and opportunities for interaction. The researchers use Italian schools and the “forest schools of Denmark “ as models. Here, they say, Children rarely went inside and staff responded to children’s interests. The teachers allowed students to “take risks” outside, but the students were still safe. The amount and type of lighting are also important.

Notes on Building Blocks Video:

The focus is on making education interesting and compelling for children. Strategies include keeping things structured and orderly so that students know where to find things and can find the things they need for activity. The teacher emphasizes the importance of capitalizing on children’s existing enthusiasm and skills. Focus on variety, assessment information, and children’s needs. Focus on language-oriented, relevant activities and problem solving. Real-life integration is important.  Children are encouraged to talk. Exploring with hands-on materials and talking are important. They are given lots of time and space. Break day into large chunks to keep from interrupting students. Young children need time to repeat things.

Letting children work independently is important. As is small group interaction. Reading and singing are very important. Counting is combined with singing. Conversations about activities are important. Asking questions is important. Listening and watching students is very important and fun. Providing variety is important for young children. Using “alphabet strips” is one way of helping children read. It is important to respond to what students say. Reading, writing and talking are key. Having children explain their thinking is a good strategy.