PORTFOLIO ELC 101- Observations of teaching- Learning in Actual School Environment

Learning Episode 1- The School Environment

Learning Essentials:
1. A physical environment conducive for learning is one that has consistent practices that :
 Keep the school safe, clean, orderly and free from distractions;
 Maintain facilities that provide challenging activities;
 Address the physical, social and psychological needs of the students.

2. Display boards can be powerful in communicating information about the learning

environment. They help in building and establishing the school culture. These boards
become one way for everyone to learn about the vision-mission, goals, and values that
the school upholds.

3. As a basic part of the school’s visual environment, display boards have four general
purposes:
 Decorative. They offer visual stimulation and appeal to aesthetics. They
set the social and psychological atmosphere of the school.

 Motivational. They encourage students to perform better and have a

greater confidence. An example would be the display of students’
outputs that show that each output is recognized and valued. The
bulletin boards help celebrate the learners’ growth and progress.

 Informational. They are used as a strategy to readily disseminate

information.

 Instructional. They move students to respond and participate through

interactive displays. They get students to think about and communicate
their learning.

4. The set of criteria for evaluating bulletin board displays includes effective
communication, attractiveness, balance, unity, interactivity, legibility, correctness, and
durability.
 Activity 1. Exploring the School Campus

Resource Teacher: __Katherine R. Acope__ School: Maigo National High School_

Grade/ Year Level: ___9___Subject Area: __Classroom__ Date ________________

To realize the Intended Learning Outcomes, work your way through these steps:

1. Look into the facilities and support learning areas in your cooperating school.
2. Observe and use the checklist as you move around the school premises.
3. Analyze your gathered data about the school environment.
4. Reflect 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 c. Photo Essay
b. Sketch or Drawing d. Poem, song, or rap
OBSERVE
SCHOOL FACILITIES OBSERVATION CHECKLIST
Familiarize yourself with the different areas and facilities of the school. Check the column to
indicate their availability. Give brief description of those that are available, and tell how each
will contribute to the students’ learning and development.

Facilities Description Will it contribute to the

Office of the Principal The principal's office is well-
kept and air-conditioned. As
soon as you enter the
principal's office, you will
notice the organizational
chart. The principal's table has
a massive glass top. It also has
a large number of display
awards that the school has
received.
Library Their library has bookshelves,
four tables, and one teacher's
table. The books are also
arranged according to subject
and genre.
students’/pupils/learning
and development? Why?
It will help the student's
learning development
because a clean principal's
office reflects the student,
encouraging them to study
more effectively and
improving their learning.
Students will enjoy
studying in a library with
clean and comprehensive
books and furniture.
Counseling Room The counseling room has a It will help the student's
table and a sofa. There is also learning growth by
a printer and electric fans. listening to the counselor's
advice about their
academic problem, and
they may find peace of
mind and refreshment in
the counseling room.
Canteen/ Cafeteria The cafeteria is clean and well- They serve nutritious
organized. Their utensils are, meals because healthy
after all, complete. meals help to achieve the
primary goal of education,
specifically improving
students' concentration,
focus, and cognitive
function.
Medical Clinic Both medical services are The school clinic is critical
provided by the school clinic. for providing first aid and
It promotes, develops, and triage for illnesses and
maintains the health and injuries, direct services for
general well-being of the students with special
school community's members. needs, and health
counseling and education
for students.
Audio Visual/ Learning They use their Computer It helps the teacher
Resource Center Room as their Audio Visual or present the lesson more
Learning Resource Center. effectively, and it helps
students learn and retain
information more
efficiently. When audio
visual aids are used,
students' critical and
analytical thinking
improves.
Science Laboratory They don't have a science lab, Laboratory experiences
but they do have the can help students
necessary lab equipment. They understand the values and
simply bring the tools or assumptions that underpin
equipment to the appropriate scientific knowledge
classroom when they are development and
required. interpretation.
Gymnasium The school has one open-court The gymnasium can also
gymnasium for outdoor be used for physical
 activities such as sports, education. Fitness-related
events, group presentations, activities and group
and so on. projects may assist
students in developing
their physical strength.
Auditorium
Outdoor/Garden The school has a garden near Learning entails more than
the entrance gate, and each just hard work and
classroom has flowers in the expanding your skills,
front and back. knowledge, and self-
awareness; it also entails
taking a break to re-
energize from your
surroundings.
Home Economics Room They call it a cookery room. It Yes, there is a culinary
has all of the tools and specialization available in
equipment needed for cooking grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. It
and food preparation. The is necessary to develop
front view shows the washing relevant skills, such as
area, while the side view cooking, as well as the
shows the cooking area, which behavioral component.
includes the stove and oven.
Industrial Workshop Area The industrial room has It assists students in
complete materials and tools developing their skills and
provided for each students. preparing them for a
career that requires
appropriate behavior and
attitude, particularly when
dealing with others or
colleagues.
PTA Office The PTA office is also located Officials and teachers must
in the office, which includes a plan for what they need to
meeting place for teachers improve for the students'
and a guidance room for needs, such as an
students. additional book,
equipment, or even
facilities.
Comfort Room for Boys The boys' restroom is clean, Students will learn how to
with two cubicles and a be disciplined when using
handwashing station. other people's facilities
and how to maintain
personal hygiene.
Comfort Room for Girls It is also clean. In the girls' A pleasant environment
 restroom, there are two can help a student study
cubicles and a handwashing more effectively.
station.
Others ( Please specify)
Hygiene stations The schools also have hygiene
Personal hygiene is
stations where students can important in promoting a
wash their hands and disinfect
healthy lifestyle, and it
them. helps students to be
healthy.
Computer room They have computers, a Good computer facilities
printer, a projector, and a can assist students in
table on the side of the gaining knowledge in a
computer room. variety of subjects, as well
as with their assignments
and research.

Activity 1.1
Resource Teacher__________________________School_____________________
Grade/Year Level_________Subject Area_______Date ______________________
 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?

The student profile with pictures, name of the classroom’s student officer, students’ birthdays,
a bulletin board, sayings/quotes, scenery, and the president of the Philippines in front are all
displayed on the walls.

2. Examine how the pieces of furniture are arranged. Where is the teacher’s table located? How
are tables and chairs/desks arranged?

There are two teacher desks, one in the front and one in the back, both with glass tops. The
teacher's chair is made of wood, and the student's chairs are made of wood and plastic, with
some chairs designed specifically for left-handed students and each classroom has 40 to 50
chairs arranged.

3. What learning materials/equipment are present?

Among the learning tools/equipment available are a TV monitor, a learner's desk, learning
resources (modules/books), and a blackboard.

4. Observe the students/pupils. How many are occupying in one room?

In a face-to-face class, each room can hold 40 to 50 students.

5. Is the room well-lit and well-ventilated?

The entire room is properly ventilated. For the students, each room has four ceiling fans and
one stand fan for teachers.

An Observation Guide for the CLASSROOM VISIT

Be guided by these tasks as you do your observation. Then accomplish the matrix to record
your data.

CLASSROOM FACILTIES MATRIX

Classroom Facilities Description

( Location, Number, Arrangement,
Condition)
1. Wall Displays There are well-planned wall displays
 throughout the classroom. It can be found in
the front, back, and side of the classroom.
2. Teacher’s Table In the center of the room, there are two
teacher's tables, one in front and one in back.
The tables are neatly arranged.
3. Learners’ Desks The student chairs are made of wood and
plastic, with some designed specifically for
left-handed students and each classroom has
40 to 50 chairs.
4. Writing Boards The writing board is installed in front, which
is the standard location for it. Each room has
a single blackboard that is kept clean.
5. Learning Materials/ Visual Aids The most common learning materials I've
seen are visual aids and books. These are
placed in an accessible location for both the
teacher and the students. They are
completely new and in excellent condition.
6. Bookshelves There are bookshelves in the rooms. It is
where instructional materials are used in the
classroom and are properly organized.
7. Television The majority of the classroom has a
television that shows educational films that
will undoubtedly provide students with
additional knowledge.

ANALYZE
1. How do the school and the classroom impact the learning of the students/pupils
going to school? What are your conclusion?
The school and classroom have a big impact on the learning of students. The
school provides the environment and resources for learning, while the classroom is
where most of the teaching and learning takes place.
The conclusion is that both the school and the classroom are important for
learning. The school provides the resources and environment for learning, while the
classroom is where most of the teaching and learning takes place.

2. How does this relate to your knowledge of child and adolescent development? How
does this relate to your knowledge of facilitating learning?
 A child's and adolescent's development is vastly different. Students' attitudes
and behaviors differ from one another. Students are more likely to learn when they are
comfortable with their surroundings, the environment, and the fact that they are safe.
The school plays an important role in the learning and development of children and
adolescents.

REFLECT

1. Would you like to teach in the school environment you have just observed? Why?
Why not?
Yes, I would like to teach at Maigo National High School because the students
seem highly engaged in their learning, and the teachers seem to have a good
rapport with one another. Additionally, the school seems to have a good support
system in place for students and teachers alike. I think it would be a great place to
work and learn.
2. What kind of school is conducive to learning?
The kind of school that promotes learning is one that is equipped with all the
necessary tools for teaching and is free from distractions like loud noises. Since we
are technologically advanced, schools must adapt to all forms of learning. A
classroom is not just a collection of facilities; it also involves the teacher and how
they interact with their charges. For me, cleanliness is essential, followed by
beautification, ventilation, and adequate lighting. Additionally, the space needs to be
open for activities so that students can move around freely. In order to keep their
attention in every area of the classroom, I will use my creativity and passion for
teaching. Every suggestion and opinion has always been heard by every student.
3. What kind of classroom is conducive to learning?
The teacher in charge of the classroom must be in good physical and mental
health. A well-ventilated, well-lit, well-decorated, and well-organized classroom is
conducive to learning. A classroom that is well-designed and built on a solid
foundation is also conducive to learning. It is said to be conducive if it is fully
equipped with instructional and learning materials. A conducive classroom
environment, in my opinion, is one in which students and teachers enjoy a friendly
atmosphere of friendship and where students are free to express themselves
without fear of being judged or discriminated against.
4. In the future, how can you accomplish you answers in number 3?
Excellent classroom management abilities, an open mind to identify and accept
students' uniqueness, a sensitive heart to grasp their needs, and a diverse set of
 ideas to satisfy those needs are all required. I am willing to risk my personal finances
and other resources for the good of my pupils and the institution. I need to live up to
my own expectations and avoid walking in other people's shadows, especially if the
shadows in front of me aren't providing a positive example.
5. Write your additional learnings and insights here.
The design of school buildings, grounds, and classrooms reflect the sort of
educators in control. The look of the school influences the first impressions formed
by parents, pupils, and the rest of the community in which it is located. They identify
that impression with the professors. This view may have an impact on their trust and
respect for the school. Trust and respect have an impact on teaching. Trust and
respect have an impact on learning.

Activity 1.2 Observing Bulletin Boards

Resource Teacher _________________________School ______________________

Grade/Year Level________Subject Area______ Date ________________________

To achieve the Intended Learning Outcomes, work your way through these steps:
1. Examine bulletin board displays in your cooperating school. Include those found at
the entrance, lobby, hallways, and classrooms.
2. Pick one and evaluate the display.
3. Propose enhancements to make the display more effective.

OBSERVE
As you look around and examine board displays, use the observation guide to document your
observations.
 An Observation Guide for BOARD DISPLAYS

Read the following carefully before you observe.

1. Go around the school and examine the board displays. How many board displays
do you see?
2. Where are the display boards found? Are they in places where target viewers can
see them?
3. What are the displays about? What key messages do they convey? What images
and colors do you see? How are the pieces of information and images arranged?
4. What materials were used in making the displays? Are borders used?
5. Do you notice some errors? ( misspelled words, grammar inconsistencies and the
like)
6. Are the messages clear and easily understood?
7. Think about what got your attention. Why did it get your attention?
8. Take photos of the display boards ( if allowed)

From among the board displays that you saw, pick the one that you got most interested in .
Evaluate it using the evaluation form below.

BOARD DISPLAYS EVALUATION FORM

Topic of the Board Display________________________________________________________

Location of the Board Display in School_____________________________________________
Check the column that indicates your rating. Write your comments to back up your ratings:

4- Outstanding 3- Very Satisfactory 2- Satisfactory 1 Needs Improvement

Criteria NI S VS O Comments
1 2 3 4
Effective √ Students and instructors receive
Communication information that is effective, clear,
and timely. It is clearly expressed.
(It conveys the
message
quickly and
clearly)
Attractiveness √ The arrangement of the bulletin
(Colors and board has unique, bright graphics
arrangement that can capture the attention of
catch and hold learners.
interest)
Balance √ The objects are neatly placed.
(Objects are
arranged, so
stability is
perceived)
Unity √ Shapes are simple that complemented
(Repeated the colorful designs.
shapes or
colors or use of
borders hold
display
together)
Interactivity √ Every learner can be attracted to the
(The style and bulletin board display.
approach
entice learners
to be involved
and engaged.)
Legibility √ The arrangement of the bulletin
(Letters and board contains unique, vibrant
illustrations images that are likely to catch
can be seen learners' attention.
from a good
distance)
Correctness √ The bulletin board expresses ideas in a
( It is free from concise manner. It is simple and clear.
grammar
errors,
misspelled
words and
ambiguity)
Durability √ The bulletin board is well-made and
(It is well- securely attached.
constructed,
items are
securely
attached)

ANALYZE
1. What do you think is the purpose of board display?
I think the purpose of the board display is to remind teachers, students, and
every school employee about every celebration and occasion in school and to entertain
them and give information every time, the bulletin board display is neat and simple.
Also, it can promote and facilitates the individual’s discovery of the personal meaning or
idea thru the information posted on it, the language used was clear and simple. It can be
easily understood by the students and teachers that read the information trying to
convey. It can encourage the students and teachers to inter actin the learning process; it
is usually designed as an instructional device that can carry a message without
the presence of a teacher

2. Did the board display design reflect the likes/interests of its target audience? Why? /
Why not?
Yes, the bulletin board display represents the likes/interests of its target
audience since it is tidy and uncomplicated. It may also assist people discover their own
meaning or concept by presenting them with information.

3. Was the language used clear and simple for the target audience? Why?/ Why not?
Yes, the words used was plain and straightforward. It is easy to understand for
students and teachers who read the content. It has the ability to encourage students
and instructors to work together to learn.

4. Was the board display effective? Why?/ Why not?

Yes, bulletin boards may save instructors time by providing information to large
groups of people at the same time. When utilized appropriately, bulletin boards may
help people communicate more efficiently, increase awareness and growth, and
improve learning.

5. What suggestions can you make?

 In my opinion, it should be more appealing by using bright indigenous materials,
clear photos, and make the letters a little bigger and legible, and put some latest news
and more educational related information.

REFLECT

1. Name at least five skills that a teacher should have to be able to come up with
effective board displays. Elaborate on why each skill is needed.

Creative skills - In a classroom context, educational information can be dry and uninteresting;
thus, creative teachers must make an effort to express concepts and subjects in an
entertaining manner.

Grammar and communication skills - Grammar and communication should be an area of

expertise for a teacher. The bulletin board will be exhibited to a diverse audience, and
they must do as well as possible in terms of spelling and word linkages.

Organizational skills - Even if the teacher has creative, she or he must organize her or his
content
in such a way that it leads to a more balanced presentation for the audience.

Technology skills - A teacher should know how to use technology effectively. Because there are

so many designs available on the internet, they may create much more engaging and
useful information, which will benefit the bulletin board even more.

Visual skills - Teachers, like interior designers, must be able to envision the presentation and
the impression they want to make before putting it on exhibit.

2. What skills do you already have? Recall your past experiences in making board
displays. How do you practice these skills?
I think I have all the skills but not on the excellent levelprobably just
average. I really don't have much experience inmaking board displays though I
have art lessons during elementaryand secondary years, but I can say that I have the
ability of beingimaginative because before I start something I imagined it first if itis good
or bad.

3. Which skills do you still need to develop? What steps will you take on how you can
improve or acquire these skills?
I don’t have enough confidence in my grammar and communication skills; I
believe I’ll have to work on that by reading and getting back to my past lessons. I’m not
the type of person who can pick something from a hat and put it to good use. If I have to
spend money on a project, I will do everything I can to complete it without even
considering other options. To construct something like this, I’ll need to obtain some
ideas from the internet and ask my colleagues for advice on how to do it.