1. Effective Learning Environment Video
<<15 min.>>
<< Differentiated Instruction, 7/8 DVD & Facilitator Guide 2007, Video Library Menu - MJ Hobbs >>
This Grade 7-8 lesson is posted in the Differentiated Instruction section on eduGAINS in the Video Library Menu.
While you watch the MJ Hobbs lesson, reflect upon:
What Classroom Dynamics were put in place to create an effective learning environment?
Discuss with a colleague.
What Classroom Dynamics were put in place to create an effective learning environment?

2. Effective Learning Environment
<<15 min.>>
<<LNS Webcast- Making Mathematics Accessible for All Students, March 29, >>
<<View the segment from 13:05-17:11 >>
The 2007 webcast, Making Mathematics Accessible for All Students, housed on the LNS, Literacy Numeracy Sectretariat, website describes components required for an effective mathematics learning environment.
While you watch this lesson, reflect upon:
What does an effective learning environment look and sound like?
What strategies enable significant mathematics learning?
Discuss with a colleague.
What does an effective learning environment look & sound like?
What strategies enable significant mathematics learning?

3. Growth Mindset Why is Growth Mindset important for students’ learning?
<<Mindsets and the learning of math video >>
<<This video is one of a series of videos on Growth Mindset on The Learning Exchange which has rich, research-based resources focused on student achievement. Built in consultation with Ontario’s Ministry of Education, Student Achievement Division, the resources are developed by educators for educators.>>
Growth mindset has the power to change the way we see ourselves and how we view the world. Explore inspiring stories from speakers across North America who are changing student and educator mindsets, in order for all young people to be successful in the classroom and beyond.
While you watch this 2 minute video, reflect upon:
Why is Growth Mindset important for students’ learning?
How is this connected to building relationships?
Discuss with a colleague.
Why is Growth Mindset important for students’ learning?
How is this connected to building relationships?

4. Growth Mindset A Safe Environment
How does a growth mindset help to establish a safe learning environment?
<<Watch up to 2:30 of the Growth Mindset video. >>
Use your to identify the benefits of using a growth mindset approach.
<<Possible responses:
We’re all learners
Safe environment
Risk taking is encouraged
It’s OK to make mistakes. We learn from mistakes
Encouraged to ask questions of teachers and peers
Encourages students to engage in inquiry and problem solving
Share ideas
Resilience and perseverance
Student self-efficacy>> C

5. Lucy West – Math Talk & Discourse
<<15 min.>>
<< 7 minute video also on The Learning Exchange >>
In this, Lucy West describes why math talk and classroom discourse is important for student learning.
View this video and reflect upon:
Why is Math Talk and Discourse important for students’ learning?
Why does this require relationship building?
Discuss with a colleague:
Why is Math Talk and Discourse important for students’ learning?
Why does this require relationship building?
Curriculum and Assessment Policy Branch, 2016

6. Student Interactions Read this monograph and reflect upon :
The Value of Student Interaction
Challenges that Teachers Face in Engaging Students
The Teacher’s Role
Five Strategies for Encouraging High-Quality Student Interaction
<<30 min.>>
<< >>
This Monograph written by Dr. Cathy Bruce describes the learning environment in a Math-Talk Learning community.
Students must be encouraged to work, think, and talk together while engaging in powerful mathematics tasks.
Read this monograph and reflect upon :
What conditions can a teacher put in place to address the classroom dynamics in a Math-Talk Learning Community?
Discuss in small group.
Share whole group.
What conditions can a teacher put in place to address the classroom dynamics in a Math-Talk Learning Community?

7. The Third Teacher <<30 min.>>
Learning Environment Considerations
Collaboration
Student Voice
Student Solutions
Real-World Problem Solving
Self-Efficacy
Seven Mathematical Processes
<<30 min.>>
<<
The Third Teacher LNS monograph describes the physical & social spaces to be considered when designing a rich learning environment. It identifies the classroom practices that support five key components surrounding the social environment.
Read this monograph and reflect upon:
What needs to be considered when designing the physical environment?
Examine each of the five key components which attend to the classroom social environment.
Which classroom practices do I currently use?
Which ones would I like to incorporate into my practice?
discuss with a colleague
What needs to be considered when designing the physical environment?
Examine each of the five key components which attend to the classroom social environment.
Which classroom practices do I currently use?
Which ones would I like to incorporate into my practice?

8. Social Skills Anchor Chart
Anchor Charts such as this should also be co-developed with the class to address classroom dynamics.
They allow the class to clarify thinking, make connections, and/or remember a specific skill, strategy, or concept. These social skills should be used throughout the year while doing group work/ cooperative activities.
Some teachers use the "looks like", "sounds like", and "feels like" approach when developing their Social Skills anchors.
The charts can be posted to make thinking permanent and visible. and reviewed periodically, as needed.
<<

9. Getting started…. Incremental, measured changes
Share the ideas – value the differences
Use Classroom Dynamics as a focus for shared effort
Generate classroom norms with your students
Devise a plan to know the learners in your classroom
Create a Math-Talk Learning Community
Individual reflection
So… how to get started. I’ve provided a few ideas but there is no limit on the possible ways to make positive changes. Think “outside the box”!