MODULE FIELD STUDY 1

Episode 1: The School as a Learning Environment

 Visit a school.
 Observe its physical plants and facilities.
 Describe the school.

A key purpose of schooling is to acclimatize children to

the present environment and prepare them for the
future. In that construct, education is evolving on the
continuum of bridging the present to the future. It is
thereby appropriate that education has developed so
many dimensions since my own school days. Looking
at today’s kids, in light of expectations from them and
numerous distractions around, it is impressive to see
them handling it all with such aplomb, and a lot of the
credit goes to schools.

In our days, the emphasis was on academics as being of utmost importance since we
were headed towards a future that secured individuals with a solid educational
foundation. This led me to acquire an engineering degree, alongside my dream of being
a sportsperson. The importance of academics is paramount even today, and it shapes
my decisions even as an administrator in allowing young cricketers to focus on exams
by creating flexibility in their sporting calendar obligations.

Schools like mine were also forward-thinking and allowed children with interest in areas
like sports to balance these pursuits along with meeting academic commitments. This
made it possible for youngsters like me to find our paths in alternative careers that we
had a passion for.

In those days, it was not mandatory for a school to take up the duty of imparting moral
education or values to kids. However, in all the institutions I attended, there were
teachers who considered themselves custodians of the values of the next generation
and took it upon themselves to shape the kids value systems.

Todays schools have adapted to the prevailing context and impending future in several
ways. Firstly, teaching techniques are adapting to formats where learning by rote has
been replaced with learning by doing. An example of this is the increasing use of
technology in teaching and learning.

Secondly, academics is not structured towards solidity and security alone, but is aimed
at building excellence and making the child a global citizen, in light with the future that
waits for him/her.

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Thirdly, there is emphasis on extracurricular activities towards creating a well-rounded

individual. As schools envision a future where ‘unconventional careers will thrive, and
children can build their life on unique capabilities in various fields, schools are providing
them with the space and support to explore these.

Lastly, schools are stepping up and systemically delivering on the added responsibility
of imparting the right kind of morals and values to children as a part of education.

There are schools in India that are grounded firmly in these fundamentals, and having
seen it up close, I can say that one such example is the Pearson Schools which
integrates global standards, technology-based experiential learning, holistic curriculum
and a strong foundation of values and culture.

Going forward, here are a few things, in my opinion, that schools must incorporate into
the system:

1. Students must be prepared for life, not just for

careers. Given the vagaries of life, it is of utmost
importance to develop young adults who are capable
of adapting to the world as it may be years from now.

2. What ought to be taught, is not thought, but the

process of thinking. Students must be encouraged to
think for themselves and approach problems and
situations in their own ways, ensuring that their minds
are well formed and not well filled. This calls for
transition of the role of a teacher from being an instructor to being a facilitator.

3. Acceptance of heterogeneity is essential in today’s world where we live in highly

diverse societies. Schools are one place where the child begins to see what is not
his/her own cultural, economic or social background, and hence schools must inculcate
in its students respect for those who are different from them.

4. While delivering on curriculum, teachers should drive application based, creative and
innovative thinking. They should encourage students to move beyond textual learnings
and explore the practical implications of what they read in their books.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Creating a classroom community and culture remain another necessary aspect when
fostering a safe learning environment. Students need to understand what they have in
common with their fellow learners in the classroom. It is the teacher's job to create this
community so all students will get along and celebrate one another's differences. Strong
classroom communities can form in a variety of ways. Throughout daily activities the
students should be part of a collaborative learning effort, sharing their strengths and
encouraging each other. The teacher also may introduce a number of jobs or
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responsibilities students need to complete in

order to maintain the physical classroom. This
shows students that they need to count on one
another, and it keeps students accountable for
their own learning environment as well.
Classroom jokes, traditions and pets are other
ways to build a strong community. When
students enjoy each other's company, they are
more likely to be accepting and feel safe in the
environment.

Another important responsibility of the teacher

is to develop a learning environment where
students feel motivated to learn within the
boundaries and expectations of a safe classroom. By modeling and encouraging a safe
environment and purposeful rules, students feel motivated to do the right thing and help
one another. It is important for teachers to put an emphasis on intrinsic motivation in the
classroom to keep students interested and invested in their own learning goals. In
addition, extrinsic motivators help students understand the expectations of the
classroom and aid in their intrinsic motivation. These kinds of motivators include praise,
positive reinforcement and rewards for exceptional behavior.

This being said, the teacher's management plan and expectations play a large role in
the classroom community. Students cannot learn effectively in an environment where
the facilitator has lost control. The teacher should make his or her expectations and
consequences for classroom behavior very clear so students understand rules,
boundaries and how to learn in a safe manner. When the teacher's management plan is
fair, consistent and organized, the students understand what to expect and can make
wise choices and take responsibility for their actions.

Each aspect of community and management play a central role in creating a positive
and safe learning space. While it is the teacher's job to facilitate and model proactive
and positive expectations, it remains the responsibility of every learner in the classroom
to care for and encourage one another. Only with everyone's cooperation and
collaboration can the learning environment flourish the way it should.

To know more about the Learning Environment please click the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQJ2mW5JzYM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9ynlPs_NTM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvlR7o81x2Q

https://www2.education.uiowa.edu/html/eportfolio/tep/07e190-
191folder/LearningEnvironment/learning_environment.htm
Field Study 1: The Learner’s Learning Environment

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On Becoming a Teacher
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A general observation of the campus and the classroom is an exciting

way to start my observation.
My mission is to do the following tasks:

1. Visit a school. Look into facilities and support learning areas in the campus,
then in the classroom.
2. Accomplish the checklist as you move around the school premises.
3. Based on your gathered data in the checklist, describe the school environment.
4. Make a reflection on the characteristics of a school environment that promotes
learning.
5. Present your idea of a good school environment through any of these:
a. Descriptive paragraph
b. Photo essay
c. Sketch or drawing
d. Poem, song or a rap

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My Learning Activities

My Tools
As you move around the campus, activity forms are provided for you to
document your observations. It is advised that you read the entire worksheet before
proceeding to the school site. A good understanding of the activities and tasks to be
accomplished in the activity sheets will yield better learning results.

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My Learning Activities

An Observation Guide for the CLASSROOM VISIT

Read the following statements carefully. Then write your observation report on the
provided space.

1. Describe the community or neighborhood where the school is found.

2. Describe the school campus. What colors do you see? What is the condition of
the buildings?
3. Pass by the offices. What impression do you have of these offices?
4. Walk through the school halls, the library, and the cafeteria. Look around and find
out the other facilities that the school has.

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My Learning Activities

An Observation Guide for the CLASSROOM VISIT

Be guided by these tasks as you do observation. Then accomplish the matrix to record
your data.
1. Look at the walls of the classroom what are posted on the walls? What heroes,
religious figures, lessons, visual aids, announcements, do you see posted?
2. Examine how the pieces of furniture are arranged. Where is the teacher’s table
located? How are the tables and chairs/ desks arranged?
3. What learning materials/ equipment are present?
4. Observe the students. How many are occupying one room?
5. Is the room, well- lighted and well ventilated?

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My Reflections/ Insights

1. How do the school campus and the classroom in particular impact on the
learning of the students going to school? What are your conclusions?

2. How does this relate to your knowledge of child and adolescent development?
How does this relate to your knowledge to your knowledge of facilitating
learning?

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My Reflections/ Insights

1. Would you like to teach in the school environment you just observed? Why or
why not?

2. What kind of school campus is conducive to learning?

3. What kind of classroom is conducive to learning?

4. In the future, how can you accomplish your answer in number 3?

5. Write your additional learning and insights here.

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My Reflections/ Insights

My Personal Illustration of an Effective School Environment

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