Post #4

Based on my readings and class discussion from Tuesday, I think there are many different factors in creating an environment conducive to learning. First of all, from my personal experience from one of the group activities on Tuesday, I learned about classroom arrangement and setup. First, I think that it is important to have a more home-y feel to the classroom, or at least a visually engaging and interesting classroom. If the classroom is white and boring, it could make the students feel like they are in a prison, and that is speaking from personal experience. Another aspect of a classroom conducive to learning is safety. Students should feel safe to participate in class. They shouldn't feel nervous or scared of what their classmates might say about them or what they believe. Another aspect of safety involves physical safety. Bullying and aggression are very prominent in today's public education system. Cyber bullying is also becoming popular due to the increased use of technology. Fights, bullying, and aggression should not be tolerated in the classroom as they provide distractions from learning. Other aspects that are conducive to learning transitions and making every minute count.

I can use these topics that were covered to create my own classroom that is conducive to learning. First, I would make sure to have posters, flyers and hopefully trophies on my band walls. In my last high school, we had a couch in my band room and it helped create community when we would all hang out in the band room for lunch or after school. I think this could go well depending on the kids in my school. As far as bullying goes, I want to squash negative comments directed at others or themselves. I also think that using section leaders in my band to watch out for the freshman or other students in the section could help. It gives section leaders pride and helps establish that community where everyone is comfortable with each other.

For my case study, which is the middle school case study about Cherie, there are a lot of things that I could do. First of all, since my class would be a band class, things would be a little different but she would still be a disruption. I think the most important thing I could do was to enforce my rules consistently and equitably to help discipline her. The Social Psychology of the Classroom, (Babad et al., 2003) talks about not ignoring the failures of human nature although it may be natural. I think that although Cherie may be needing attention and is acting out in class, it would be good classroom management to discipline her and show her the appropriate times to be funny. It is also important to enforce the rules consistently so the students will not have motivation to continue their misbehavior. Enforcing rules to other students also helps establish your credibility as a teacher. This is an important rule in creating a classroom conducive to learning.