What class rules are essential to a positive teaching/learning experience?
I think that the number one rule in any classroom should be respect. A common rule I have heard about this is: Respect Yourself, Respect the Materials, Respect Others. In addition to respect I would post the following class rules in the classroom and go over them at the beginning of the year and repeat as needed:
•Treat each member of the class with respect (unconditional positive regard)
•Be on time and prepared for class
•Complete all projects
oPut forth your best effort
oAsk questions when you don’t understand
oChallenge yourself to be creative
•Respect the equipment and materials
•Observe all safety rules (outlined in lectures and safety handout)
•Participate in class discussions
oListen quietly
oDon’t talk when others are talking
•Follow all school rules
In a nutshell: “Respect yourself, respect others, respect the materials, respect me.”
How do plan to create a positive learning environment when you have your own classroom?
I think that creating a positive learning environment involves classroom management, mutual respect and building individual relationships.
A way to begin to create a positive learning environment through classroom management is to establish clear and concise rules and consequences for the classroom. Classroom rules should be consistent with school rules and keep with the principles of learning. When establishing classroom rules, letting students have a say in classroom rules empowers them with control of their learning environment and will also maintain positive student-teacher relationships by establishing a pattern of mutual respect.
Researchers have found that the teachers who maintain better classroom behavior are those who set and maintain clear and concise classroom rules; keep rules simple and few in number; state rules in terms of what students should do rather than what students should not do; and keep rules posted and refer to them frequently. With these guidelines it is important for the teacher to remember that by changing his or her behavior, you can change the climate of the classroom. Focusing on the positive (what students should be doing and what they are doing well) instead of the negative (what they’re not doing and what they’re doing badly) helps both to foster a good learning environment and good behavior from students.
In addition to establishing rules for classroom behavior I believe that a positive learning environment naturally follows if teachers establish positive individual relationships with students. Getting to know each student and proving that you know and care about them will create a relationship that will help students want to follow classroom rules and engage in the learning environment. In the secondary art classroom this can be done through sketchbook and journaling exercises and reflection papers.
With creating classroom rules it is also important to establish known consequences for breaking the rules, creating consequences after the fact is too late. Students need to feel that consequences are fair and reliable to respect them. Consequences should focus on the behavior that was wrong, not the individual and it should be emphasized to students that they have the power to chose their actions and control the outcome of their behavior. Encouraging students to reflect on their behavior will help them to understand why the behavior they did was wrong, not just because of the teacher’s authority or because they were caught. Lastly, helping students to consider what could be done differently in a situation will help them to correct their behavior before it occurs.
