Climate and Culture of the Learning Environment
Introduction to Classroom Climate: Video reflection 1
The video # 1 with the physical lesson demonstrates how the teacher is able to adequately manage the student-centric learning environment: she encourages collaboration, provides an access to various resources, etc.
Introduction to Classroom Climate: Video reflection 2
Online lessons definitely have certain restrictions compared to physical lessons. However, based on the 2nd demo video, the teacher is able to create a very positive learning environment conductive to learning and positively collaboration. Icebreaking, jokes, smart use of online resources, and more create a friendly climate...
Information-intensive environment's positive impact
How information-intensive environment, including various developmentally appropriate print and digital texts, can enhance student vocabulary and contribute to a positive classroom climate and culture.
The impact of oral language on reading and writing development and 5 ways to utilize oral language in a classroom to impact reading and writing
Oral language together with Information-Intensive Environment (IIE) that includes group discussions, oral reports and presentations, with an access to a variety of print and digital resources directly and indirectly improve reading and writing skills of students.
According to the research by Jennifer Dubin, if school includes in their curriculum fiction and non-fiction literature that is adjusted according the age, and is being read aloud, this improves overall performance including reading and writing skills of students who come from various income and cultural backgrounds. According to their research, there was a drastic improvement in oral language comprehension, vocabulary, and knowledge when teachers allowed students to read and listen complex texts with further QA period and discussion.
Read alouds (by the age of 12-13 students accept information faster if they listen to it) and asking questions along the way as well as asking what they have learned at the end of the reading in oral or written way, deepens their understanding of the material, improves speaking and listening skills.
5 ways to use oral language in an information-intensive environment to impact students' reading and writing:
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Encourage oral group discussions
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Include team-building activities and games that involve speaking and writing tasks
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Read aloud and let students to read aloud and answer questions
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Utilize oral and visual presentations to present new topics/ideas and let them watch videos related to lessons
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Include face-to-face individual meetings to provide oral feedback regarding students’ performance, general wellbeing in school.
Dubin, J. (2012). More than Words: An Early Grades Reading Program Builds Skills and Knowledge. American Educator, 36(3), 34–40.
Classroom Management Strategies
Activity 2
Part 1 - How did the video demonstrate the InTASC Standard for this course (module), especially regarding developing a community of learners and a positive classroom climate?
The video greatly demonstrates the following InTask standards:
Learner Development.
Learning Differences.
Learning Environments.
I will focus on the third one - InTASC Standard 3 Positive Learning Env.- Developing a community of learners and a positive classroom climate.
l Great environment perfect and comfortable for learning. Students are being respected and in turn are also very respectful.
What I liked:
l Teacher begins with what was covered in the last class and makes smooth transition to what is expected in the current lesson; he provides clear explanations
l Encourages classroom participation by asking questions, Encourages collaboration by splitting them in groups.
l Moves around - uses the space wisely, approaches groups of students during collaboration tasks, aiming for maximum productivity and opportunities for growth ; asking what everyone’s responsibility in the group is, asking questions to encourage critical thinking, making small adjustments
l To establish a connection with the students and make them feel comfortable: 1. He uses students’ native Chinese language to name instruments. 2. Keeps eye-contact with the students, includes appropriate jokes and in general keeps a positive attitude. 3. Helps whenever the help is needed, one of the examples - the teacher gives pen to his student without distracting anybody. 4. Utilizes automated robot voice to call students names - when asking questions and when randomizing them into groups - this way he avoids pronouncing their names incorrectly.
l Great closing routine with explaining the expectations for the next lesson
Part 2 - If you were the teacher, how would you reinforce the norms, procedures, and expectations for students in the classroom you observed.?
I think this particular example includes all the norms that I have listed in activity 1, and as observed from the video - the students are following the norms - by being respectful, polite, motivated, and by keeping a positive attitude.