Creating a Productive Learning Environment

2 Environments Conducive to Learning

A well-managed classroom is one in which students are consistently engaged in
productive learning. Effective classrooms are the result of effective classroom
management.

3 Effective Classroom Management

Teachers with effective classroom management skills: Physically arrange the
classroom in a way that minimizes distractions and facilitates teacher- student
interaction. Create a climate in which students feel they belong and are
intrinsically motivated to learn. Set reasonable limits for behaviour. Plan
activities that encourage on-task behaviour. Continually monitor what students
are doing. Modify instructional strategies when necessary.

4 Arranging the Classroom

Minimize distractions. Facilitate teacher-student interaction. Students seated
closer to the teacher pay more attention and are more interactive.Survey the
entire class. Check for signs of boredom, frustration, etc.

5 The climate is the overall psychological atmosphere of the classroom.

Students should feel safe and secure. Students should believe learning is a high
priority. Students should be willing to take risks and make mistakes.

6 Strategies for Creating an Effective Classroom Climate

Form and maintain a productive relationship with every student. Be well
prepared for class. Demonstrate that you enjoy teaching. Communicate high but
realistic expectations for student performance. Include students in decision
making and in evaluation of their work. Acknowledge that everyone has an “off”
day now and then.

7 Strategies for Creating an Effective Classroom Climate

Establish a businesslike yet nonthreatening atmosphere. Communicate
appropriate messages about subject matter. Give students a sense of control.
Promote a sense of community and belonging.

8 Chaos reigns in classrooms without guidelines for appropriate behavior.

Setting reasonable limits promotes productive behavior and contributes to
students’ socialization.How can you set useful and reasonable limits? Establish
initial rules and procedures. Present rules and procedures in an informational
rather than controlling manner. Periodically review existing rules and
procedures. Acknowledge students’ feelings about classroom requirements.
Enforce rules consistently and fairly.
9 Keeping Students on Task
Effective teachers keep students on task by:Keeping students productively
engaged and on task. Choosing developmentally appropriate task. Providing
structure and support so students know exactly what they need to do.
Adequately planning for transitions. Keeping Students on task.

10 “Withit” teachers know what students are doing at all times in the
classroom.
They regularly scan the classroom for misbehaviors.They make regular eye
contact with students.They know when, and often why, misbehaviors occur.“

11 How “Expert” Teachers Manage the Classroom

Rather than focusing on what students are doing wrong, expert teachers:Modify
their instructional strategies so that students are more productive. Ask, “How
can I better capture students’ interest and excitement? Are my students bored?
”

12 Dealing with Misbehaviors

Misbehavior is any action that has the potential to disrupt students’ learning and
planned classroom activities. Teachers should plan ahead, as much as possible,
when considering how to deal with misbehaviors

13 Helpful Strategies for Dealing with Misbehavior

Ignore the behaviour. Cue the student by using a signal that indicates the
desired behaviour. Discuss the problem privately with the student. Teach self-
regulation strategies. Use behaviorist approaches, such as applying extinction
and/or reinforcing an incompatible behaviour. Confer with

21 Recognize the important role parents play in students’ lives

Communicate on a regular basisShare students’ progressCoordinate efforts to
increase the likelihood of successAvoid blaming parents for students’ behaviors
or shortcomingsWorking with ParentsCopyright © 2008 by Pearson Education,
Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.Jeanne Ellis Ormrod
Educational Psychology: Developing Learners, sixth edition

20 Working with Other Faculty Members

Communicate and collaborate regularly. Form common goals regarding students’
learning. Establish a shared set of strategies for encouraging productive student
behaviour. Commit to promoting equality and multicultural sensitivity throughout
the school .