creating a positive learning environment

Environment is everything. If a plant does not have good soil, it won't grow well. In the same way, if a student does not have a good classroom, he will likely not meet is full potential. Based on our discussion and the reading in the textbook, I think it is fair to say that a positive learning environment is absolutely crucial to success in education. I would like to share a video of a very NEGATIVE learning environment just for fun. This is the trailer for the movie: The Substitute 2. Though I would love to be a badass teacher someday, I hope I don't ever have to engage in physical combat with my students, especially gunfights in the halls. I really don't think that will be a problem. I do know that there will be problem students though. Creating an effective positive learning environment will minimize distraction caused by problem students and maximise student potential. It will also make my life easier.
One aspect of the environment is the physical layout of the classroom. If I am teaching history, I want a classroom that encourages students to collaborate and inspires them to dig deeper into the content. Ideally I would have tables to facilitate group work and discussion, and create a general sense of togetherness in the class. I will put high-quality pictures on the walls of compelling people and events in history to grab students attention and give the subject matter more relevance. I would like to have a few class expectations visible at all times so no student can say, "I didn't know." I want students to feel like they are in a different world, not just a classroom. I am the first to admit how cheesy that sounds, but I really believe that the less like a "classroom" it feels, while still maintaining order and respect, the more happy students will be to show up with open minds each day.
I will also create a positive environment in how I act and treat my students. I will make it clear to students that I will respect them as long as they respect me and each other. I will try my best to be excited about my material to foster excitement in my students. Some of the material we will have to cover will undoubtedly NOT be exciting. I won't try to make it something it is not, but will go the extra mile to make it relevent, if that means throwing in a pop-culture reference or showing a movie clip. I think you must balence time spent on pure information sharing and time spent on cultivating interest. That is easier said than done I'm sure. I think I am digressing a little so we will get back to the class environment. I want students to feel safe to express their thoughts, so I will facilitate debates that make students step out of their comfort zone and hopefully learn to feel ok about having a different opinion than somebody else. Studying history is all about interpretation, and in that lies its strength. Collaboration is huge. discussion is huge. I will not tolerate students dishonoring each other and will not hesitate to make an example of a student doing this by sending him to the principle.

the Maryland department of education has a nice little page about creating a positive learning environment. In it they give rationale for why this is important. maryland happens to have some of the best public schools in the country.

"Every school has a culture whether or not the principal is attentive to it or shapes it. Culture is comprised of assumptions, beliefs, expectations, habits, and values which affect every aspect of the schoolhouse, and consequently student learning. Principals make a difference in the development of culture. They must actively engage in the components of culture if they are to foster a sustained improvement in student learning and achievement. By effectively assessing the climate in the building and implementing effective strategies to maintain and/or improve the various cultural components, the principal facilitates a set of norms and values that focus everyone’s attention on what is most important - student achievement."

here is the link to the rest of it http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/leadership/programs/leadership_learning_series/series2.htm

Case study

In the high school case study the students are all seniors about to graduate and could not care less about class. this is a difficult situation. I think I would be a little more relaxed at the end of the semester, but would hold firm to the fact that I will not tolerate disrespect. If 10 students are wasting my time and the time of their peers, I will not hesitate to send them to the principle's office. I know they will not be suspended and will still graduate, but they will learn an important lesson. hopefully when I become a good teacher, students will want to pay attention because they feel compelled by a desire to learn, not fear of punishment. Also, I would not turn my back on the students. There are ways around this. I will take up any phone I see. It all starts at the beginning of the first class. Students will test their teacher to see how far they can go. If you keep giving them another, inch, they will go for one more. That's why I plan to keep to my rules, my word, from the very beginning.