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EDU 5046: CLASSROOM INTERACTION

Lecture 3: The Classroom
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this lesson, students are able to:
1. explain the concepts of classroom,
2. discuss the characteristics of an ideal classroom, &
3. suggest appropriate social behaviours in a classroom.

CLASSROOM
Jere E.Brophy
A complex and important place in a school
The concept of classroom changes according to the development of idea on education (under a
tree ---- surau /hut ------ Bestari classroom)
Composition: physical structure (desk, chair, blackboard, etc) and social organization (a group of
students under the care of a teacher)
It could be the field for Physical Education, science lab, studio, etc
Students are in the classroom for the same purpose, that is, to learn, to meet the schools
requirement, and also to socialize
The classroom gives various experiences to students, either about achievements or failures.
Classrooms are usually dominated by teachers (giving assignments, determine the types of
activities,. and often helped by a class monitor)
Teachers also implement rewards or punishment in the classroom
The Traditional Classroom
Have a rigid and static structure, in terms of furniture arrangements, and always crowded with
students
Does not encourage interactions and the atmosphere is so static because all the time is spent on
teaching the academic contents (syllabus).
Emphasis: subject matter, retention of rules/regulations, punishment, and the establishment of
work attitude that requires supervisions and threat.

Use teacher-centered teaching approach (about 50% of teachers talk are consisted of
questioning or giving lectures because subject matter is given the utmost priority.
The same teaching strategies are used for all the students with no regards to individual
differences.
Students participate in activities according to teachers instructions and less emphasis is given to
critical and creative thinking.
Teaching and learning environment stresses on individual competition, hence, the smarter
students have more advantage.
The main characteristics of the classroom are silence, and priority is given to students discipline.

Todays Classroom
All the needs for a quality education are provided with regards to: space, equipments, T&L
resources and method, & social and moral environment)
Teachers are aware of the impact of school life on the students development. As such, the
emphasis on a good classroom has to be based on the principles of education and good
educational practices
Discusssion
Characteristics of a classroom that can meet the requirements of the current educational
practices which include:

Furniture

T & L resources and equipments

T & L approaches

Time utilization

Teachers and students personal qualities

Characteristics of the classroom interactions

Social Behaviours in the Classroom
Two types of behaviour verbal & non-verbal

Verbal

Using language like words

Words that contain multiple meanings, including connotative meaning which might be
known/shared by the individuals
Types of verbal behaviours in the classroom: calling out the names, questioning,
explaining, reprimanding, praising..

Non-verbal

Communication that uses body gesture/language, facial expressions, etc.

The perception of non-verbal communication differs according to cultures
Edward Hall: There are different orientations in terms of personal space that relates
to culture
Finding from an experiment: adults prefer to be closed with women then men
Non-verbal behaviours among men and women show status differences
Example: men show more dominant non-verbal behaviours such as touching the
person they are communicating with. Women are more submissive (patuh) and often
avoid eye contact and keep a distance from men.
Communication status occur in the classroom as well (example: gender role, ethnic,
SES influences students involvement in the classroom)

Types of non-verbal behaviors:

Physical contact : stroking, patting, hugging, etc (culture and gender factors have to be
taken into account)

Seating position in the classroom: closely seated students communicate with each other
more often

Body gesture or signals (example: signaling using finger/hand movement.)

Facial expressions: use facial expression to convey a message (example: eye contact,
straight look, side look). In the exchange theory, teacher will not look at the students
direction if students do not show any response).