Learning Environment

      

            In my focused observation for classroom management strategies, I observed a General Chemistry teacher demonstrate distinguished ability in managing classroom procedures [5.2, 2c] and student behavior [5.5, 2d].

To promote student accountability and people-management skills among the students, the teacher implements a real-world management system of grouping the students in teams of four wherein one member is designated “project manager.” For a two-week duration, the designated project manager is responsible for their team’s progress per the learning schedule and assumes responsibility for efficient submission of classwork and homework by group members so that transitions in the class are seamless [5.2, 2c]. Moreover, the team-directed-by-a- “project manager” model also ensures that the student behavior is directly and respectfully monitored by the students and their peers rather than the teacher [5.5, 2d]. In this way, the teacher steers clear of the role of “headmaster,” thus able to focus more of his attention and energy on his ability to effectively explain the learning material as well as that of his students on learning by discovery.

Figure. 1. General Chemistry Classroom Layout.

A second, more subtle strategy for management of classroom procedures and student behavior is the classroom layout wherein the rectangular tables are arranged in a way that promotes student attentiveness toward the front board during lectures [5.2, 2c; 5.5, 2d]. According to Wong & Wong (2009), such as strategy promotes learning because “students face the board learn more” (p. 94). For the teacher, having students sit in positions in which the students must put effort into seeing the learning material makes it challenging for the teacher to monitor and gauge student engagement. As shown in Figure 1., the students in this General Chemistry class are positioned in a way in which they do not have to constantly turn and twist to face the teacher and direct all their attention toward thinking about information relayed during lecture-discussions. With the seating arrangement utilized, the teacher effectively eliminated student body-posturing that is uncomfortable and disadvantageous to learning.

Through implementation of student self-management and a classroom layout conducive to learning, the General Chemistry teacher I observed demonstrates excellent ability in maintaining student behavior and smooth transitions in classroom procedures.

References

Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (2009). The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher (4th ed.). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications.