Chapter 11 Creating Productive Learning Environments

Characteristics of Productive Learning Environments A focus on learning A focus on learners Classrooms as learning communities Emphasis on personal and social development A positive classroom climate

Classroom as Learning Communities Inclusiveness: all students participate and believe they can succeed. Respect for others: students respect the teacher and other students. Safety and security: students feel safe and protected. Trust and connectedness: students count on each other for help and assistance.

Elements of Personal Development Self-discipline and motivation to learn Organizational skills and goal setting Personal and moral responsibility Control of personal impulses Self-awareness in terms of personal strengths, needs, and values

Social Development Students’ ability to interact with and get along with others Perspective taking: the ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of others Social problem solving: the ability to resolve conflicts in ways that are beneficial to all involved

Social Skills That Develop in Productive Learning Environments Perspective taking Social problem solving Respect for others Working cooperatively with classmates Empathy and compassion Appreciation of diversity

Essential Human Elements of Productive Learning Environments Caring Personal teaching efficacy Positive expectations Modeling and enthusiasm

Communicating Caring Learning students’ names quickly and calling on students by their first name Greeting students daily and getting to know them as individuals Using effective nonverbal communication such as making eye contact and smiling Using “we” and “our” in reference to class activities and assignments Spending time with students Demonstrating respect for students as individuals

Positive Teacher Expectations Teachers’ beliefs in students’ capabilities to learn Ways that teachers communicate positive expectations Emotional support Teacher effort and demands Interactive questioning Feedback and evaluation

Classroom Management Goals Developing learner responsibility Creating a positive classroom climate Maximizing opportunities for learning

Dimensions of Classroom Time Allocated time: amount designated for a particular topic or subject Instructional time: amount left for teaching after routine management and administrative tasks are completed Engaged time: time students actually spend actively involved in learning activities Academic learning time: amount of time students are both engaged and successful

Elements of Successful Management Preventing problems through planning Rules Procedures Intervening effectively Handling serious management problems

Common Classroom Activities Requiring Procedures Entering and leaving the classroom Handing in and returning papers Accessing materials such as scissors and paper Sharpening pencils Making trips to the bathroom Making up work after an absence

Guidelines for Effective Rules State rules positively. Emphasize rationales for rules. Minimize the number of rules. Monitor rules throughout the school year.

Guidelines for Effective Interventions Intervene immediately. Direct the intervention at the correct student(s). Use the least intrusive intervention.

Serious Management Problems: Violence and Aggression Most management problems are minor and involve day-to-day logistical and cooperation issues. Steps to follow when serious problems arise Stop the incident Protect the victim Get help Teachers are legally required to intervene when problems occur. Seek the advice of administrators and veteran teachers.

Assertive Discipline A comprehensive approach to classroom management that clearly specifies both teachers’ and students’ rights and responsibilities Successful but controversial Advocates claim it Works Clearly specifies both teacher and student actions Is fairly easy to learn and apply

Assertive Discipline (continued) Critics claim it Emphasizes control and obedience at the expense of personal development Focuses on behaviors instead of the reasons for rules Treats symptoms (e.g., talking) versus possible causes (e.g., boring or ineffective instruction)

Effective Classroom Management in Urban Schools More challenging because of student diversity and large class sizes Essential components for effective management: Caring and supportive teachers Clear standards for acceptable behavior Structure Effective instruction

Benefits of Involving Parents Greater willingness to do homework Higher long-term achievement More positive attitudes and behaviors Better attendance and graduation rates Greater enrollment in postsecondary education

Strategies for Involving Parents Start at the beginning of the school year with a letter. Maintain communication by sending home frequent and periodic packets of work, descriptions of new units of study, and other information about the class. Use e-mails, newsletters, and individual notes to emphasize positive student accomplishments.

Communicating with Parents from Diverse Backgrounds Cultural diversity, SES, and caregivers for whom English is not the first language all pose communication challenges. Effective teachers make a special effort to reach out to these parents. Sending home homework guidelines and suggestions are effective in involving parents in their children’s education.