Reflective Statement
Artifact: Classroom Map and Rationale
STANDARD 5 – Learning Environment
The competent teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
I decided to use the Classroom Map and Rationale from my elementary school teacher methods course as an artifact for Professional Teaching Standard 5 because it demonstrates my understanding on the essential elements to a positive learning environment. For this assignment, I was instructed create my ideal learning environment using Smart Board software. I was given a base template and items or spaces that were required to be in classroom. I then provided a rationale for the decisions I made while creating the classroom. I designed the classroom with a young elementary classroom (K-3) in mind. I made efforts to make a classroom that fostered multiple modalities of learning, as well as opportunities for students to work in collaborative groups. The goal is for the students to learn as efficiently as possible, as well as feel safe and comfortable in the space.
This artifact is an appropriate representation of the standard because in both the classroom map and the rationale, there are elements of positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation. Knowledge indicator 5C states that the competent teacher “understands how to help students work cooperatively and productively in groups.” In the classroom map, I did not give students, but rather tables where they can work. This allows students to work with each other to problem solve, and to learn from each other’s unique talents and strengths. There are also open spaces in the classroom for students to work together as a class or small group, but also to work alone if needed. The library nook provides students a quiet area to read or do work if they learn best this way. There is also a place for students to engage in drama, music, and art to accommodate the different learning styles and needs throughout the class.
Creating this lesson plan contributed to the development of abilities to effectively plan the arrangement of my future classroom based upon sound research and understanding of students’ learning needs. I discovered that planning the classroom environment is a challenging task, because there are so many factors and diverse learning needs that need to be accounted for. There are also factors out of my control, such as outlets, shelves, windows, heating units, and room size that need to be considered when creating the classroom. When creating my own classroom, school resources and budgets will also play a significant role in the actual set up of the classroom. Overall, the creation of this artifact has developed my knowledge and abilities in creating a positive, safe, fun, and efficient learning environment.
Artifact: Classroom Map and Rationale
STANDARD 5 – Learning Environment
The competent teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
I decided to use the Classroom Map and Rationale from my elementary school teacher methods course as an artifact for Professional Teaching Standard 5 because it demonstrates my understanding on the essential elements to a positive learning environment. For this assignment, I was instructed create my ideal learning environment using Smart Board software. I was given a base template and items or spaces that were required to be in classroom. I then provided a rationale for the decisions I made while creating the classroom. I designed the classroom with a young elementary classroom (K-3) in mind. I made efforts to make a classroom that fostered multiple modalities of learning, as well as opportunities for students to work in collaborative groups. The goal is for the students to learn as efficiently as possible, as well as feel safe and comfortable in the space.
This artifact is an appropriate representation of the standard because in both the classroom map and the rationale, there are elements of positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation. Knowledge indicator 5C states that the competent teacher “understands how to help students work cooperatively and productively in groups.” In the classroom map, I did not give students, but rather tables where they can work. This allows students to work with each other to problem solve, and to learn from each other’s unique talents and strengths. There are also open spaces in the classroom for students to work together as a class or small group, but also to work alone if needed. The library nook provides students a quiet area to read or do work if they learn best this way. There is also a place for students to engage in drama, music, and art to accommodate the different learning styles and needs throughout the class.
Creating this lesson plan contributed to the development of abilities to effectively plan the arrangement of my future classroom based upon sound research and understanding of students’ learning needs. I discovered that planning the classroom environment is a challenging task, because there are so many factors and diverse learning needs that need to be accounted for. There are also factors out of my control, such as outlets, shelves, windows, heating units, and room size that need to be considered when creating the classroom. When creating my own classroom, school resources and budgets will also play a significant role in the actual set up of the classroom. Overall, the creation of this artifact has developed my knowledge and abilities in creating a positive, safe, fun, and efficient learning environment.