Jonathan Saldana
Effective Learning Environment
Vanguard University
EDUG-520
Spring 2017
How can I create and maintain effective environments for learning? (Use examples from our
readings, TPEs and your own content standards and frameworks. Include at least one or two
theories or theorists).
In order to create and maintain an effective learning environment, one must
understand that students have different learning needs. Some strategies work well
with a handful of students but not so well with the rest. Creating and maintaining an
effective learning environment is creating an atmosphere that is inclusive and
considerate of all students. An environment that meets the needs of the whole child:
physical, social, emotional, and academic. Furthermore, a space that makes students
feel comfortable learning and expressing themselves. Lowering students affective
filter has proven to be a great catalyst to promoting student growth, participation
and academic productivity. Many factors and appropriate steps need to be
considered when creating and maintaining an effective environment for student
learning including: student needs, teacher preparation and clearly stated rules and
expectations.
One of the steps that I can take in order to create this kind of environment is
to simply be prepared. I would start by looking at my students placement cards in
order to learn about their academic needs as well as any additional information
provided by previous teachers. I would also create a student survey to learn about
the students. A student survey is a way for the teacher to collect helpful information
about students personal interests and special needs that a student may have.
I would also focus on creating a space that promotes a positive and safe
learning climate. I would focus on a space arrangement that accommodates to
students needs. For example ensure a space that allows all students to move safely
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and has all materials accessible. According to Burden and Byrd, studies on
classroom management have verified that the first few days of the school year set
the tone for the entire year (2016. pg. 230). Because the first few days make such
an impact for the rest of the year it is important to clearly state the rules, procedures
and academic expectations for students. Rules are critical and important for
maintaining an effective environment for learning. According to Burden and Byrd,
rules refer to general behavioral standards or expectations that are to be followed
in the classroom and are general codes of conduct that are intended to regulate
individual behavior in an attempt to avoid disruptive behavior (2016. pg. 242). One
of my main focuses for my class is to state these rules as positive agreements that
the students can use as guides to help them succeed in the classroom.
Because the rules and procedures are stated in a clear and positive manner, I
believe that it will create a positive social environment. An environment where
students respect, support and encourage each other even when they have different
views/ideas about an issue. Ultimately, this creates an atmosphere that uses
positive social reinforcement that has students express themselves in a manner that
respects the rules and seeks positive praise as an expression of approval for their
behavior. Rewarding these behaviors will come in the form of privileges during class
time. Examples of these privileges are; helping the teacher, distributing equipment,
free choice on an activity to participate in. The idea behind creating this type of
environment for students to learn in is for them to look forward to coming to class
everyday and lowering their affective filter so that they are encouraged to
participate.
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It is important to provide the proper foundation for our students and equip
them with the tools and knowledge necessary to be successful. As mentioned before,
preparation along with clearly stated rules and expectation would facilitate and
promote an effective learning environment. According to Skinner, to prepare
people for a world in which they cannot be good automatically, we need appropriate
instruction (1971 pg. 186). Skinner illustrates the importance of instruction when
we are seeking desired behaviors from individuals. A teacher can only provide clear
instructions and expectations with preparation and planning before entering the
classroom.
In compliance with teaching performance expectations, I believe that support
of creating and maintaining effective environments a teacher must establish,
maintain, and monitor inclusive learning environments that are physically, mentally,
intellectually, and emotionally healthy and safe to enable all students to learn (TPE,
2.3). Ultimately what we should strive to provide our students with is a safe and
comfortable learning environment where they have the confidence and ability to
voice their opinions without fear, to participate equally in activities and where they
learn to behave appropriately in a variety of different social settings.
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References
Burden, P.R., & Byrd, D.M. (2016). Methods for effective teaching: Meeting the needs
of all students (6th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC). (2013). California Teaching
Performance Expectations, TPE 2.3,
Skinner, B.F. (1971). Freedom and Dignity, Alternatives to Punishment.
New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf