Creating a conductive learning enviornment

A conductive learning environment is essential for every classroom. In class we discovered different types of educational environments through Samantha and Taylor. Ormond states that a learning environment that is useful is one that makes students comfortable, that displays resources and information, and that promotes social interactions between students. The classroom setup should be both productive and efficient. Students should not be distracted by how the classroom is arranged. It is also helpful if the room and tools should be easily accessible. Time should not be wasted from transitioning from one activity to another. Ormond says to create "good working relationships with your students." I believe that having a good relationship with your students and parents will help the classroom become more comfortable for everyone.

   

High School Case Study

You have started to dread your fifth period music class. It is made up entirely of seniors who are counting the days until graduation and seem to care very little about learning. Most of the students are obviously members of one clique or another. Whenever they think your back is turned, they start passing notes and text messaging. Worse, three boys have started disrupting those engaged in learning. No matter what you say, they laugh at the students who sing tenor and soprano, especially when they are practicing their parts. Yesterday, Tony, Jeff, and Morris started roughhousing then all three of them refused to sit down and follow the class procedures that the classroom community agreed upon at the beginning of the year. Although you have been using a set approach to handling infractions of rules, you decide it is time to change these procedures.

I choose this particular case study because I've personally experienced something similar in my freshman orchestra class.

My first step to changing my classroom is starting the class with the new rules. Every student needs to know that their grade will partially rely on classroom participation, and behavior. Disruptions and roughhousing in the classroom will result in a lower grade. I would then have a class discussion of what the class would like to be changed as far as the program goes. What can I do to help them? I would also speak with Tony, Jeff, and Morris after class and they would all receive detention for their actions. I would separate these three boys since they seem to be causing a large disturbance during class time. I would also separate other cliques in the classroom.

Second step would be to implement new ideas that the students have suggested. If there continues to be problems with those students I will then pull them aside and tell them that they could possibly fail this class if they do not begin cooperating properly.

Lastly I would hold a parent teacher conference to show that I truly care for the student's success.