PTS 5.

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.

1. Write a paragraph explaining your knowledge and understanding of the standard—put the

standard into your own words.

I think that this teaching standard wants me to foster educational achievement through creating a

learning environment that promotes both teacher-centered and student-centered instruction based

on a desire to learn and self-motivated participation. There are many different ways to enhance

instruction, and creating a learning environment that both supports and contributes to daily

learning is ideal for an effective classroom.

2. Explain how the artifact you chose demonstrates your understanding and application of the

standard.

My artifact is a classroom map I designed as part of a classroom management assignment. This

map was created using SMART Notebook software, and depicts an ideal classroom arrangement.

I was supplied with a template, and was required to organize my optimal classroom map. This

map is representative of the environment that I hope to create in my future classroom. I included

areas for both group and individual work, locations for technology, and the additional

justification provides my reasoning for including these items. Having spent time in a variety of

different classrooms, I was able to see how different layouts function for different grade levels

and use the effectiveness I saw to create my own classroom map. Although I know that I cannot

expect that my future classroom will have all the items I included in my map, I can use this as a

template in organizing and arranging my room and creating the learning environment necessary

for my students to learn effectively and efficiently.

3. A If the artifact has been used in your practice, reflect on how your teaching will change in

the future to further meet the standard.

B. If the artifact has not been used in your practice, i.e., a class assignment, reflect upon how

your teaching will be impacted by the assignment.

Although I have not had my own classroom yet, I think that learning from other teachers’

learning environments has inspired me in creating my own classroom. My classroom map can

act as a guide when arranging my future classroom, especially noting the different areas I

included such as reading and writing tables which would be more beneficial in an early

elementary grade (which I would like to teach). I think that having a guide such as this classroom

map provides me with options in creating an encouraging learning environment, and also

demonstrates my knowledge in using technology that I hope will be present in my future

classroom.

4. Conclude with a paragraph discussing how you are more prepared to Teach and Learn in a

Diverse Society as a result of satisfactorily meeting the standard.

The classroom map shows a learning environment where students would be able to work in a

variety of different areas and through different means. I imagined that the left side of the room

was for more teacher-centered instruction supported by the students working at groups at their

tables. However, the right side of the room has technological support with the SMARTboard and

also a rug area for shared reading and reading aloud as well as other group activities. I also think

that the classroom map reflects a learning environment where many different types of instruction

would be possible, therefore catering to a diverse range of students. There are areas for teacher-

centered and student-centered learning, the classroom is set up to be useful in for teaching in
centers, as well as the support of technology. This will help provide a range of resources for

differentiating instruction.