Learning Environment
“Learning occurs best in a positive environment-One that contains positive interpersonal relationships and interactions, that contains comfort and order, and in which the learner feels appreciated, acknowledged, and validated.” – Barbara McCombs and Jo Sue Whisler, The Learner- Centered Classroom and School
Three Types of Classroom Environments
-Dysfunctional
-Adequate
-Orderly
-Restrictive
-Enabling
"Community is an outgrowth of people coming together around an opportunity to discover, recognize, appreciate, and reach toward some shared world" - (Carol Ann Tomlinson, 2010, p.84)
Building a Community In The Classroom
Positive or negative - Everyone craves belonging and and a sense of community
Community Yields
-Acceptance
-Belonging
-Affinity
-Respect
-Caring
-Family
How to develop a community
-Show that as a teacher, you actually care about your students cultures, beliefs and likes etc.
- Continue to bring students back to the original reason for creating a classroom that is responsive for each student
-Imply the idea that “This is who we are, this is what we do.” (Tomlinson 86) This encourages each students individuality and appreciation towards their peers
Positive or negative - Everyone craves belonging and and a sense of community
Community Yields
-Acceptance
-Belonging
-Affinity
-Respect
-Caring
-Family
How to develop a community
-Show that as a teacher, you actually care about your students cultures, beliefs and likes etc.
- Continue to bring students back to the original reason for creating a classroom that is responsive for each student
-Imply the idea that “This is who we are, this is what we do.” (Tomlinson 86) This encourages each students individuality and appreciation towards their peers
"In differentiated classrooms, the use of student groups is integral to building a productive, positive community, but it’s not the only requirement. Differentiated classrooms will inevitably require to work independently or in whole-class sessions" (Carol Ann Tomlinson, 2010, p.88)
Student Groups
-Use Flexible Grouping
-'Teach up'
-Use multiple ability tasks
-Assign individual roles in each group
-Make content available to everyone
-Use Flexible Grouping
-'Teach up'
-Use multiple ability tasks
-Assign individual roles in each group
-Make content available to everyone
Physical Learning Environment
“The goal of planning the physical environment of a classroom is to maximize opportunities for teaching and learning” (Carol Ann Tomlinson, 2010, p.92)
Physical Environment should provide structure and remain well maintained for students to feel secure and welcomed in their own space. Differentiated classrooms are based on the needs of the student and should be arranged for optimal learning within the classroom.
Three Basic Fundamentals to the Physical Layout I. Furniture Arrangement and Floor Plan -Two questions when arranging the room -Tables & desks over individual desks -Arrange room so you can easily walk among students -Arrange student seating areas -Position your desk out of the way -Specialty areas II. Wall Space and Bulletin Boards "Can humanize a classroom, and they can also contribute considerably to learner independence and success" Carol Ann Tomlinson page 94 -Student assignment charts -Bulletin space for for information about key assignments -Designate plain walls III. Materials, Supplies and Organizers -Store frequently used materials somewhere easily accessible -Store unavailable materials to students in a difficult to access place -Take advantage of bins and boxes -Designate and label where students assignment should be turned in -Have more than one garbage can and pencil sharpener |
Tomlinson, C., & Imbeau, M. (2010). Leading and managing a differentiated classroom. Alexandria, Va.: ASCD.