Write a reflection on how you would build a positive classroom climate. Specifically, think and write about: As I reflect about teachers who have had great impacts in my life while reflecting through the assignments we have had for the module, I have to agree with Rita Pierson who argues in the ted talk that every student needs a champion and students learn from teachers who they like. Setting high expectations for them, and trusting them that they can make them, and also believing in them and acknowledging, complimenting, and rewarding them for accomplishments and achievements they make at school will be fundamental to the success of students in meeting their highest potential. Though would be a big challenge in itself, communicating with the parents, and complimenting and acknowledging the students’ strengths during Open Houses and acknowledging their performance and strengths will be essential to boosting self-esteem of students and having them enjoy and love learning and more attentive to classroom activities. Having students be clear about the expectations, norms, and procedures of classroom ahead of time, and values and beliefs that are championed as a class in building positive classroom culture would be essential to be discussed, set up and modeled by the teacher for the class to follow. Transitions between activities would also have to be aptly placed and executed in order to continue the attention of the students throughout the block without losing their full focus throughout the given time period. The co-planning exercises were actually those activities that I found to be most helpful. I have learned most when working on assignments with my fellow teachers, learned from their experiences and and expertise, and also was able to take on some of the expertise, insights, and energy that they have in interacting with their students. While working on the behavior management plans, I could closely observe the parent-student relationship and how closely the relationship could be linked to students’ behaviors. And also the video observations and annotations were really helpful in terms of observing various practicing teachers with varying skill sets and the kinds of activities and strategies that they employ in executing a class for the time they are given to lead for the material they have for the given class. These in-class observations and insights from the cohort were especially helpful for me as someone who will be starting working at the school as a secondary English teacher afresh starting June in next few months.
EduContents 