Basic components of a classroom ?how a teacher acts as an important component of a class
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. Mutual Respect
This must permeate every aspect of a classroom, and is embedded in all of the other components. It includes a deep respect for both the students and for the subject matter. Can students take risks? Will they be "shot down" or ridiculed by other students, or even by the teacher, for openly sharing their thoughts? How will the teacher handle it when one student personally insults or belittles another student? Will students be respected and honored as thoughtful participants in a community of learners? A teacher's behavior in these situations sets the tone for the whole class. We need to be explicit and put into practice our belief that a deep respect for each student is at the heart of our educational endeavor.
2. Intentional Use of Space
How we arrange our rooms makes a statement and sends a message to our students. Some arrangements promote a reflective community better than others. When a whole class discussion is going on, it is easier to talk to each other when participants can see the faces of fellow students. Arranging the furniture in a circle promotes a sense of community and can make a difference. Likewise, arranging chairs and desks in clusters for small group work facilitates discussion. And then there's the wall space. Relevant pictures, posters, and student work can play a role in generating a thoughtful atmosphere.
3. A Culture of Questioning
Perhaps more important than anything else, questions promote active learning. When the teacher and the students are involved together in a dialogue, they are engaged in a process of ever-deepening consciousness. A healthy questioning of causes, motives, and underlying assumptions and values can only enrich student learning and foster a deeper understanding.
4. Thoughtful Silence
Silence is one of the most powerful and underused tools in the classroom. Whether it is used when a teacher slows down his or her speech to emphasize a point, or after asking a question, or even after a student has responded to a question, silence can be invaluable. It creates space for thought and sends students the message that we trust them as thoughtful learners who need time to reflect.
5. Student-to-Student Discussions
The teacher does not have to be at the center of class discussion. Studies have shown that student-to-student interaction deepens student learning. It can happen in a number of ways, including:
A spontaneous discussionThe "No Hand Discussion", wherein students create their own criteria for a successful discussion, try it out, and assess how it's going on a regular basisStudent-led discussions
This must permeate every aspect of a classroom, and is embedded in all of the other components. It includes a deep respect for both the students and for the subject matter. Can students take risks? Will they be "shot down" or ridiculed by other students, or even by the teacher, for openly sharing their thoughts? How will the teacher handle it when one student personally insults or belittles another student? Will students be respected and honored as thoughtful participants in a community of learners? A teacher's behavior in these situations sets the tone for the whole class. We need to be explicit and put into practice our belief that a deep respect for each student is at the heart of our educational endeavor.
2. Intentional Use of Space
How we arrange our rooms makes a statement and sends a message to our students. Some arrangements promote a reflective community better than others. When a whole class discussion is going on, it is easier to talk to each other when participants can see the faces of fellow students. Arranging the furniture in a circle promotes a sense of community and can make a difference. Likewise, arranging chairs and desks in clusters for small group work facilitates discussion. And then there's the wall space. Relevant pictures, posters, and student work can play a role in generating a thoughtful atmosphere.
3. A Culture of Questioning
Perhaps more important than anything else, questions promote active learning. When the teacher and the students are involved together in a dialogue, they are engaged in a process of ever-deepening consciousness. A healthy questioning of causes, motives, and underlying assumptions and values can only enrich student learning and foster a deeper understanding.
4. Thoughtful Silence
Silence is one of the most powerful and underused tools in the classroom. Whether it is used when a teacher slows down his or her speech to emphasize a point, or after asking a question, or even after a student has responded to a question, silence can be invaluable. It creates space for thought and sends students the message that we trust them as thoughtful learners who need time to reflect.
5. Student-to-Student Discussions
The teacher does not have to be at the center of class discussion. Studies have shown that student-to-student interaction deepens student learning. It can happen in a number of ways, including:
A spontaneous discussionThe "No Hand Discussion", wherein students create their own criteria for a successful discussion, try it out, and assess how it's going on a regular basisStudent-led discussions
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