Reflective Statement for PTS 5 Brittany Granquist

Artifact: Model Classroom Project

PTS 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.

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

standard-put the

standard in your own words.

I think that this standard wants me to recognize the importance of using knowledge, experience,

theory, etc. in order to create a classroom learning community that best suits the needs of its

diverse learners. The learning environment should be a product of carefully selected strategies

for effective classroom management – preventative, corrective, and supportive -, arrangements

that promote positive social interaction and behavior among students with unique learning styles,

instructional procedures that ensure students understand appropriate and respectful interaction

and discussion, and strategies that motivate students into taking accountability for their own

learning and success in school. The competent teacher will utilize a variety of resources to ensure

that the classroom decorum and physical arrangement, communication of expectations for

procedures and behavior, functionality of learning community and management techniques

“encourage [students’] positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-

motivation.”

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

standard.
The artifact I chose for this standard is a “Model Classroom Project” that combines several

aspects of establishing an effective learning environment. The first part of the project involved

explaining procedures and expectations at various times of the day, including: transitioning,

entering the classroom, dismissal, finishing work early, bathroom breaks, responding to

drills/severe weather alerts, participating in class discussions, working pairs and groups, lining

up to leave classroom, and attendance/lunch count. Taking the time to plan procedural and

behavioral expectations for various times throughout the day allowed me to apply this aspect of

the standard: “maximiz[ing] the amount of class time spent in learning by creating expectations

and processes for communication and behavior.” Another aspect of the project was to create

classroom rules, consequences for the violation of those rules, and rationale for choosing those

rules. I made my rules and management system for a fourth or fifth grade classroom. My rules

and consequences “create a smoothly functioning learning community in which students assume

responsibility for themselves and one another, participate in decision making, work

collaboratively and independently, use appropriate technology, and engage in purposeful

learning activities.” The final aspect of the project was to create a model classroom set up that

allowed me to apply what I have learned about the benefits of a classroom arrangement

conducive to collaboration and community learning.

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.

My teaching will be impacted by this assignment because taking the time to carefully and

strategically complete this assignment has given me a realistic idea of what goes into the creation

and maintenance of an effective learning environment that is conducive to students’ success as

learners and individuals. There are a plethora of decisions and thought processes that go into

planning a classroom arrangement. I believe in the value of providing students opportunities to

discuss and share with, as well as learn from, their peers. Through the completion of this

assignment, I also learned that I will utilize a “variety of effective behavior management

techniques appropriate to the needs of all students, including those with disabilities.” My

management system will be fluid, in that I will come prepared with one that rewards

commendable behavior and disciplines violations of appropriate behavior and/or expectations,

but be flexible in changing it to best meet the needs of all students. The final aspect of this

assignment has impacted my future teaching in that I now know the importance of setting clear

expectations and parameters so to avoid confusion and/or misbehavior. In coming prepared, I

will be able to “organize, allocate, and manage time” effectively.

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.

I will be able to teach in a diverse society due to the completion of this assignment because I

have considered the various aspects of creating an effective learning environment and how to do

so while keeping in mind the diversity in my classroom, whether it be behavioral, racial, ethnic,

learning ability, etc. A particular aspect of the arrangement of my classroom will allow me to

better meet the needs of English Language Learners. In grouping students into teams of four, if
possible, I will group students of the same native language together so that they have the

opportunity to discuss assignments/tasks together in both languages and therefore more

meaningfully solidify what is expected of them.