Running head: SEAGER_JOURNAL M#3 ESTABLISHING A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Module Three Journal: Establishing a Learning Environment

SPED 775: Practicum with Exceptional Children & Youth

University of Kansas

Dr. Cynthia Mruczek

Brent Seager

March 26, 2017

Running head: SEAGER_JOURNAL M#3 ESTABLISHING A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Teaching video name: Lesson Plan One Date: 03/25/2017

Observation Meaning Research
At 1:07 into the video, I use I emphasized a key point for In the Anderman & et al.,
the discussion of emphasis on the students again during the 2011, article, it discusses
key concepts with the lesson, which helped to emphasizing key concepts
students. prepare them for the rest of with the students to promote
the content and information. understanding and preparing
the student for tests and
assessment of the content
knowledge and information
(Anderman & et al., 2011, p.
985-986).
At 20:58 into the video, I am I show my enthusiasm In the Anderman & et al.,
demonstrating the use of throughout the lesson and 2011, article, enthusiasm is
enthusiasm to establish and video, however, it is very mentioned as one of the key
maintain a healthy and apparent when beginning the factors in establishing and
productive learning jeopardy game, and the maintaining an environment
environment. students responded in a very in the classroom that is more
positive manner to the conducive to learning
enthusiasm. (Anderman & et al., 2011, p.
987).
At 17:55 into the video, I can I show my use of withitness In the Anderman & et al.,
be observed as demonstrating by being able to answer and 2011, article, withitness is
the use of withitness when address several different one of the key elements for
addressing several students students and maintain visual teachers to use and develop to
and concerns at once. contact with the students and more effectively manage their
surroundings in the classrooms, which will in
classroom. turn, create a better learning
environment (Anderman & et
al., 2011, p. 990-991).

Observation One Summary

Running head: SEAGER_JOURNAL M#3 ESTABLISHING A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

In the video at 1:07 marker, I demonstrate using the emphasis on key concepts idea that

was discussed in the Anderman & et al., 2011, article. Using the emphasis on key concepts and

ideas allows the teacher to promote important facts and information about a given topic or

subject, and to reiterate the ideas and information throughout the lesson. This prepares the

students for information and ideas that could be found on a quiz, test, or other assessment. To

ensure that the emphasis on key concepts are incorporated into the lessons, the teacher must use

preemptive instruction to ensure that this concept is embedded into the content and review of the

literature and information. While other methods could be used to emphasize key concepts and

ideas, I believe that using this concept will ensure better acquisition of information and ideas that

can be transferred into other areas of learning as well (Anderman & et al., 2011, p. 985-986).
Observation Two Summary
In the video at 20:58, I am demonstrating the use of emphasis to establish and promote a

healthy and engaging learning environment. Although there are other portions and segments in

the video in which my enthusiasm is visible, my enthusiasm in this segment in apparent and is

reflected in the participation, motivation, and engagement of the students in the activity.

According to Anderman & et al., 2011, enthusiasm is one of the key elements that all teachers

need to possess during each lesson and activity, as this will increase student motivation and

engagement within the classroom. Increase motivation and engagement in the classroom results

in a healthier and more productive classroom environment that is best suited to student learning

and growth. There are several ways in which teachers can promote and show their enthusiasm in

the classroom, teachers can use a tone of voice or physical presence in the classroom to increase

enthusiasm and student involvement. I believe that a teacher should be enthused with each

lesson, as this shows the students that the teacher finds the information relevant and exciting, and

this also helps to set the tone and pace of the lesson as well (Anderman & et al., 2011, p. 987).
Observation Three Summary
Running head: SEAGER_JOURNAL M#3 ESTABLISHING A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

In the video at 17:55, I am demonstrating the use of withitness in my classroom.

Withitness is a classroom management technique in which the teacher is overly responsive to the

students, surroundings, and events in the classroom. While I can demonstrate withitness

throughout many portions of the video, the clip at 17:55 in which I am addressing several

students and issues at once, while managing the classroom and other events promotes a good use

of withitness in my classroom. According to Anderman & et al., 2011, withitness is one of the

most essential elements to classroom management that can be challenging to learn and develop.

Withitness is essential in managing and addressing students, events, and classroom issues, while

maintaining control over the entire class at the same time. I believe that withitness is a skill that

takes time to develop should be refined as necessary to use the skill most effectively (Anderman

& et al., 2011, p. 990-991).

Reference
Anderman, L.H., Andrzejewski, C.E. & Allen, J. (2011). How do teachers support students

motivation and learning in their classrooms. Teacher College Record, 113(5), p. 985-987,

990-991.