What to Look for in a Classroom
Good Signs Possible Reasons for Concern
Furniture  Chairs around tables to
facilitate interaction
 Comfortable areas for
working
Walls  Covered with students' work
 Evidence of student
collaboration
 Signs, exhibits, or lists
created by students rather
than teacher
 Information about, and
mementos of, those who
spend time together in this
classroom
Sounds  Frequent hum of activity and
ideas being exchanged
Location of  Typically working with
Teacher students so that it takes a
moment to find him or her
Teacher's  Respectful, genuine, warm
Voice
Students'  Welcoming; eager to explain
Reaction to or demonstrate what they're
Visitor doing or to use visitor as a
resource
Class  Students often address one
Discussion another directly
 Emphasis on thoughtful
exploration of complicated
issues
 Students ask questions at
 Desks in rows or chairs all facing
forward
 Bare
 Decorated with commercial posters
 List of consequences for
misbehavior
 List of rules created by an adult
 Sticker (or star) chart or other
evidence that students are rewarded
or ranked
 Students' work displayed but it is (a)
suspiciously flawless, or (b) only
“the best” students' work, or (c)
virtually all alike
 Frequent periods of silence and/or
teacher's voice the loudest or most
often heard
 Typically front and center
 Controlling and imperious
 Condescending and saccharine-
sweet
 Either unresponsive or hoping to be
distracted from what they're doing
 All exchanges involve (or directed
by) teacher: students wait to be
called on
 Emphasis on facts and right answers
 Students race to be first to answer
teacher's “Who can tell me?”
 least as often as teacher does
Tasks  Different activities take place
simultaneously
Around the  Inviting atmosphere
School  Students' work fills hallway
walls
 Bathrooms in good condition
 Faculty lounge warm and
comfortable
 Office staff welcoming
toward visitors and students
 Students helping in
lunchroom, library, and with
other school functions
Copyright © 1996 by Alfie Kohn with contributions from Sylvia Kendzior, Rheta DeVries, and
Jim Beane.
queries
 All students usually do the same
thing
 Stark, institutional feel
 Awards, trophies, and prizes
displayed, suggesting emphasis on
triumph rather than community
 Bathrooms in good condition
 Faculty lounge warm and
comfortable
 Office staff welcoming toward
visitors and students
 Students helping in lunchroom,
library, and with other school
functions