Module 4 Unit 6 Activity 2: Putting it all together

Report requirements

• Written reflection on managing the learning environment

Include details on:

• Norms & procedures
• Transitions
• Setting high expectations
• Communicating with parents
• Behavior management systems
• Impact of co-planning exercises
• Impact of video observations

Grade: Non-gradable

In this module we learned about the many factors that impact on behavior in the learning environment. This reminds me of Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory of development which emphasizes the impact of every level of society on the individual.

Norms & procedures

To effectively manage a classroom, we need to leverage norms and procedures to prevent negative behavior. Positive rules that emphasize the appropriate behavior can be more effective than negative rules that emphasize unacceptable behavior. Broad rules can make the list of rules easier to remember and also more applicable. Procedures can also make use of time more efficient and through making these behaviors automatic and routine, they can prevent negative behaviors associated with downtime.

Transitions

Transitions can become problematic and less efficient without adequate procedures. To increase student efficiency in this area, it may be helpful to practice transitions and procedures and to make it into a game. Teams can compete to be the first to complete the procedure associate with the transition. Status can then be awarded to the teams that transition effectively.

Setting high expectations

Having the right attitude is arguably one of the most impactful factors on a student's success in academic areas and in life in general. To help students reach their potential, it helps if teachers encourage a growth mindset where children believe that their ability is something that they have control over. Students that believe that hard work can increase their ability are more likely to put in the effort and grow that those who believe that their ability is fixed, and, for instance, that they are simply bad at math and that will always be the case. Equally, some students will believe that they are stupid or morally bad. These mentally inflexible positions inspire hopelessness and prevent the student from trying to change. Once a growth mindset has been instilled in students, teachers can set high expectations for student attainment and behavior. If you encourage, motivate and build up the self esteem of students, they can rise to the challenges that you set them.

Communicating with parents

Communicating with parents can be key to student success. Many parents can work with children at home and further motivate and educate their children. By building a relationship with parents, teachers will be able to maximize their ability to leverage this asset. Teachers should keep parents informed of student attainment, behavior and needs. It is particularly important that the teacher communicates with parents effectively and in a timely manner before a misguided student can misinform their parents. Alerting parents of a students needs and providing parents with the assets that they require to help meet their child's needs can also be extremely beneficial. I often get in touch directly with the parents of struggling children and provide them with the study materials they require to help their child. With a supportive parent, this can dramatically change student outcomes and I have seen many situations where a failing student has turned into one of the top performing students in the class.

Behavior management systems

Behavior management systems are important as rules and consequences need to be clear in a classroom. Students can't be expected to follow the rules if the rules are not clear, and equally, students won't be dissuaded by consequences that they aren't aware of or are not actively enforced. Point based systems can be used as part of a behavior management system and they may have added benefits such as gamification. The most important thing for behavior management systems is that they must be consistent, or else you risk rewarding negative behavior by not addressing it.

Impact of co-planning exercises

Co-planning is important as by having a common set of standards there will be less confusion among both students and teachers about what is and what is not acceptable. Without a common set of standards, students are likely to forget. Also, rules are necessary in common areas such as hallways, libraries, bathrooms and playgrounds.

Impact of video observations

Video observations can allow teachers to get something closer to an outsider's perspective and also to notice things that they may have missed in the classroom. They allow us to better assess classroom climate, our posture, the clarity of our instructions and how interesting our class was. While watching the video you may also notice student behaviors that you missed while teaching. However, videos should be recorded with permission from the school, the students and the parents. Privacy concerns for the students must also be kept in mind with regards sharing the content. As such the process is not as simple as just hitting the record switch on phone or camera.