Running Head: Classroom Environment 1

Classroom Environment

Hillary Starinieri

Drexel University

EDUC 410

February 3, 2020
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Classroom Environment

“Classroom management creates the foundation for an effective and successful

classroom” (Wong & Wong, 2018, p.2). Creating and maintaining a positive, organized

classroom environment is crucial in facilitating meaningful learning. I believe that being

prepared and having a classroom management plan is key to ensuring a positive culture for

learning. Students learn best when they know what to expect and experience structure in the

classroom. My goal is to create a classroom environment that is optimal for student success.

I will create an environment of respect and rapport by showing my students that I care

through encouragement and fairness. I will also try to recognize my students’ interests and

attempt to incorporate their backgrounds and lives outside of the classroom into activities and

lessons. I will also expect students to treat their classmates with kindness and respect as well

through modeling and positive reinforcement. For all students to learn best they must first know

that their teacher cares about them and their learning. They must feel comfortable, safe and

valued in their environment. According to component 2a in domain 2 of Charlotte Danielson’s

Framework for Teaching, a teacher should inquire about a student interests and extracurricular

activities and hobbies. Doing so sets the framework for a trusting and caring relationship.

In my classroom I will also establish a culture for learning by setting a tone that reflects

educational importance. I want my students to take pride in their work and know that working

hard will help them to be successful even when the work is challenging. Teaching and displaying

determination and perseverance is something that I plan on concentrating on in my classroom. If

students see that I am determined and work through challenges, they too will adapt a similar way

of thinking. I set high expectations for students because I know that they can achieve great

things. I also make sure to make my students aware of the expectations that I have set for them
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and through encouragement and positive reinforcement they can achieve those expectations and

in turn take pride in their achievements. If my students know that I believe in them, they too will

believe in themselves.

Component 2c of Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching is managing classroom

procedures. I believe that this component sets the groundwork for a positive classroom

environment. Students should be aware of classroom procedures such as transitions, classroom

routines and classroom rules and these procedures should be practiced very early in the school

year. I plan on having my students play an active role in creating classroom rules by connecting

their ideas into my classroom rules list which I will have displayed in the classroom as a

reminder to all students of what is expect of them. Classroom management procedures can be

practiced during the first week of school to allow for smooth transitions and routines throughout

the year.

Managing student behavior is also an important part of classroom management. In order

to set a positive atmosphere, students must be aware of expectations, I must monitor student

behavior and I must respond to student misbehavior. First, I will display classroom rules and

expectations for each student to see and I will make students aware of the possible consequences

for misbehavior. In addition, I will manage student behavior through positive reinforcement,

when possible. I believe that positive reinforcement encourages students to display good

behavior and it helps them want to try hard to work towards achieving the expectations that I

have set. I believe, praising students for good behavior is just as important as responding to

student misbehavior.

The last component of classroom environment is organizing physical space. The

classroom must be organized in a way that is safe, pleasant and inviting. Displaying student
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artwork around the classroom is something that I plan on doing. In addition, displaying posters

that encourage learning, good behavior and that relate to student interests. I will organize

classroom materials so that they are easily accessible and arrange the classroom furniture that is

suitable for all learning activities. I also plan on having students offer suggestions and play an

active role in how they would like their classroom to look and what they believe would be

helpful to create a positive environment for learning.

Each component in Danielson’s Framework for Teaching is necessary in order to create a

positive classroom environment. Incorporating all these classroom management procedures and

components will enhance the teaching and learning process by building respect, establishing a

positive culture for learning, managing rules and procedures, managing student behavior and

organizing the classroom in a meaningful way. For the classroom to run effectively and for all

student to put their best effort forth in their work and their learning, these components must be

thoroughly planned and thought out by the teacher. I will have a clear and concise classroom

management plan prior to the start of the school year because being prepared is the key to

success. In conclusion, through planning and reflection, I believe I will be able to create an

optimal environment for student learning.

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Works Cited

Wong, H. K., Wong, R. T., Jondahl, S. F., & Ferguson, O. F. (2018). The Classroom

Management Book (2nd ed.). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.