CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

“Classroom Atmosphere”

By :

1. LUH PUTU ELITA MURNIASIH (2012027002)

2. GEDE NOVALDY PRATAMA T. (2012027003)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION

FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND ART

GANESHA UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

SINGARAJA

2020/2021
 I. CLASSROOM ATMOSPHERE

Managing the classroom is one of the most important parts in successful teaching. There
are many variables to handle, such as the variety of the students, the classroom setting, the
activities for students to do, and not less important is classroom atmosphere.
Bloom (1964), describe classroom atmosphere as influences, conditions, and stimuli from
outside which include physical, social and intellectual influences that affect students. While,
according to Hoy and Miskell (1982), explained classroom atmosphere as the quality of the
classroom environment itself that teachers continually experience, and are based on collective
perceptions of their behavior. But most importantly classroom atmosphere is a vital component
of teaching and learning that helps establish and maintain relationship between teacher and
students, build motivation and confidence among the learners, and facilitate the processes of
teaching and learning. On top of that, classroom atmosphere is also become a second teacher for
students.
Normally and in most of the cases when students first step into a classroom, they will
make a judgment about the type of class they will be attending. Students will be feeling happy
coming to the school, because they imagining of a comfortable classroom, good and competent
teachers, good friends, complete and supportive teaching facilities. So they will able to think
productively, cooperate with their friends, and able to absorb the information that was delivered
to them. On the other hand, if the students have bad or dirty school environment with a messy
classroom, not competent teacher, etc. will certainly create lazy, bad, and boring impression. As
the result, there will be no sense of enthusiasm to follow the learning process which can cause to
the failure of the learning process itself. Therefore, a conducive class atmosphere will help
students to be discipline, which will lead to students' academic and non-academic achievement,
as well as the class as a whole. A conducive learning atmosphere is a platform devoid of both
physical intimidation and emotional frustration, which allows for a free exchange of ideas. A
conducive classroom atmosphere is influenced by two factors, which are physical and non-
physical.

1) Physical Factors
The term physical refers to the overall design and layout of a given classroom and its
learning centers. It means as a teacher we should know what type of atmosphere we are trying to
create? What type of furniture or equipment is necessary to accomplish this goal? How will we
decorate our classroom? How will we arrange students’ desks and why? Where will we locate
our teacher’s desk and why? etc.
The physical factors in creating a good classroom atmosphere includes maintain the
cleanliness of the class, arranging tables and chairs for students, create a reading
corner/classroom library that ensures students to actively read and finding information, etc. with
the goals to create pleasant classroom conditions and can increase enthusiasm and desire of the
students to learn, as well as to maximize the learning opportunities and the engagement of every
child.
In order to create a pleasant and good physical environment in the classroom, there are
some principles that we should considered (Winataputra, 2003: 9.22).
1. Visibility
It means that the placement and arrangement of items in the classroom do not interfere
the students' views. So that students can clearly see the teacher, objects or activities that
are taking place in that time. Same goes with the teacher that must be able to see all
students during the learning activities.
2. Accessibility
Spatial planning should make it easier for students to reach or take any items needed
during the learning process. In addition, the distance between the tables or seats must be
sufficient for students to pass, so that they can move easily and do not disturb other
students.
3. Flexibility
Classroom items should be easy to arrange and move according to learning activities. For
example, the seating arrangement that needs to be changed if the learning process uses
the discussion method and group work.
4. Convenient
Some factors that can create a convenient or comfort learning environment which will
result in a good classroom atmosphere such as room temperature, light, and sound.
5. Beauty
 This principle relates to the efforts to organize classrooms that are fun and conducive for
the learning activities. A beautiful and pleasant classroom can have a positive effect on
students' attitudes and behavior towards the learning activities.

2) Non-physical Factors

Not like the physical factors that focusing on physical environment of the classroom.
Non-physical factors more focusing on interaction of students with teachers, and students with
other students. The first step and most importantly in creating a good classroom atmosphere is
based on mutual trust, respect, and caring. To create it, we should build a good relationship
between students and teacher, and among the students. Students need the teacher to be firm. The
ability to blend firmness with warmth and caring is difficult, but certainly possible. McLeod,
Fisher, Hoover (2003) described that there are seven strategies to build a caring and strong
relationship between teacher and students.
1. Model the behavior We Want
Modeling is a powerful strategy, because children normally will copy many things from
the adult. So, by modeling the behavior that we want whether the attitude, commitment,
etc., it is possible that the students will copy it too. Which means if you want your
students to do something you must do it first.
2. Establish Friendly but Appropriate Relationship
There are two ways to create appropriate relationship with students. First by providing
them with opportunities to know us as people. And second by being open to their
concerns and feelings.
3. Make A Connection
As a teacher we need to build a connection with our students. One of the ways is by
showing interest to them in terms of knowing their hobbies, favorite music or foods, etc.
4. Maintain A High Ratio of Positive to Negative Statements
Instead of giving negative remarks or statements that almost always cause students to
think that they unworthy, incapable, and make them dislike schools, we can give them
support and assistance as they make the change.
5. Communicate High Expectations
 By believing and trusting our students that they will success both in academic and their
social life will make students feel that they are valued.
6. Share Control
It is good to look at the idea to sharing control with the students instead of putting them
in a power struggle which can be the start of their discipline problems.
7. Negotiate and Provide A Choice
By giving or providing choices we teach students to make good decisions, and to assume
the responsibility for the outcome, whether good or bad.

On the other hand, Erwin, Jonathan (2019) mentioned that there are 10 ways to create a
positive learning or classroom atmosphere, which are;
1. Address student needs
Students, like adult have not only physical needs but also important psychological needs,
love, freedom, fun, etc. When teacher address these needs, students will be happier to be
there.
2. Create A Sense of Order
All students need structure and want to know that their teacher not only knows his
content area, but also knows how to manage his classroom. It is the teacher’s
responsibility to provide clear behavioral and academic expectations right from the
beginning, so that students should know what is expected of them all the time. Another
important way to create a sense of order is by teaching students effective procedures for
the many practical tasks that are performed in the classroom.
3. Greet Students at The Door Every Day
As students enter your classroom, greet each one at the door. Explain that you want
students to make eye contact with you, give you a verbal greeting, and depending on the
age of the students we also can do a high five, fist bump, or handshake. This way, every
student has had positive human contact at least once that day. It also shows students that
you care about them as individuals.
4. Let the Students Get to Know You
Students come in to the classroom with preconceived perceptions of teachers. Sometimes
it’s good, sometimes it can be an obstacle. Since the only way to impact people’s
 perceptions is to provide them with new information or new experiences. And as a
teacher we can do few things, for example making a quiz with questions about ourself as
teacher. By doing this, students will enjoy learning about their teachers, and the quiz gave
us an opportunity to share who we are, what we value, and what experiences we will
bring to teaching.
5. Get to Know Your Students
The more you know about your students’ cultures, interests, extracurricular activities,
personalities, learning styles, goals, and mindsets, the better you can reach them and
teach them.
6. Avoid Rewarding Control
Instead of devaluing students successes with reward, talk to students about how it feels to
achieve proficiency and praise the effort, strategies, and processes that led them to those
successes. Then talk about what they learned this time that will help them achieve their
next successes.
7. Avoid Judging
When students feel like they are being judged or labeled, they distrust the person judging
them. Instead of judging students, be curious. Ask why. Once you uncover the underlying
reason for the behavior, that issue can be dealt with.
8. Employ Class-building Games and Activities
One of the best ways to break down the cliques within a classroom and help shy or new
students feel a sense of belonging is to engage students in noncompetitive games and
cooperative learning structures. There are hundreds of resources online and in books that
provide thousands of appropriate choices for your grade level. Another benefit of
bringing play into the classroom is that it gives your students a very powerful reason to
come to your class, because it’s fun.
9. Be Vulnerable
Being vulnerable develops trust faster than any other approach. Admitting your mistakes
shows that you are human and makes you more approachable. It also sends the message
that it’s okay to make mistakes in this classroom. That’s how we learn. We embrace
mistakes rather than try to avoid them at all costs. We learn from those mistakes and
grow.
 10. Celebrate Success
At first this may seem to contradict with point six about “avoiding rewards”. It is not
hinted at or promised ahead of time like an “if-you-do-this-then-you-get-that” reward.
Instead, you might set a class goal. Once the class has achieved the goal, hold a
celebration. It doesn’t need to be big. Showing some funny or interesting (appropriate)
online videos, bringing in cupcakes, or playing some noncompetitive games would
suffice.

II. Benefits of a Positive Classroom Atmosphere

Jonathan, C. Erwin (2019), describe that by developing a positive classroom atmosphere
we can make a significant strides towards some of the most important concerns in today
education, such as reducing discipline issue, increasing the graduation and attendance rates, and
improving student learning and achievement.
1. Reducing Discipline Issues Including Meanness and Bullying
Bullying has been becoming an issue from time to time. One of the most
important aspects in creating a positive classroom atmosphere involves building positive
relationship. When the students has a good relation whether with teacher or among them,
and that they feel accepted and connected, it will has a great impact in reducing meanness
and bullying.
2. Increasing Graduation and Attendance Rates
One of the problems in today’s class is related to student drop out or their
attendance rates which is very low. The reasons behind it frequently included; not liking
school, not getting along with teacher, not feeling like they belong or not getting along
with other students, fearing for their safety, and feeling unable to satisfy academic
requirements.
These factors all relate to school atmosphere. And as a teacher, it is our task to try
to create a better classroom atmosphere. With a positive and good atmosphere in the
classroom will make the students very excited and happy to come to the school which
will result in the attendance rates. When they think that their environment is comfortable,
supporting, fun, etc. it will create an enthusiasm from the students to follow the teaching
or the learning process.
3. Improving Students Learning and Achievement
A large number of studies show a strong link between classroom atmosphere and
academic achievement. Through and extensive analysis of educational, social, and
cognitive psychology, researcher have found that classroom atmosphere is one of the four
variables directly linked into academic achievement.
 REFERENCE

Cantero, J. M. M., Mira, R. G., Lopez, V. (2016). Influence of Physical Learning Environment in
Student’s Behavior and Social Relations. Kamla-Raj Enterprises, 25(3), 249-253.

Erwin, J. C. (2019). The SEL Solution : Integrate Social and Emotional Learning into Your
Curriculum and Build a Caring Climate for All. Free Spirit Publishing.

Garret, S. (2014). Effective Classroom Management : The Essentials. Teacher College Press.

McLeod, J., Fisher, J., Hoover, G. (2003). The Key Elements of Classroom Management :
Managing Time and Space, Student Behavior, and Instructional Strategies. Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Palmer, C. (2009, January 27). Building Students Engagement : Classroom Atmosphere. Faculty
Focus. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-classroom-management/building-
student-engagement-classroom-atmosphere/