Assignment: Moving Beyond Classroom Management

On the basis of research and theory regarding the importance of the classroom as a safe, caring and respectful learning environment, you will create a detailed description of how you will ideally structure your classroom context to optimize student academic and social and emotional learning. The purpose of this assignment is to not only learn the theory but to help you in your upcoming practicum, to prepare for teaching interviews and to help you to become a better teacher overall. There are 3 basic criteria:

1. To layout your teaching philosophyâ€”in other words your personal theory of teaching and learning. This should focus on the kind of teacher you intend to be and why. Articulating your teaching philosophy is not only important in helping you adhere to your principles while in the messiness of the classroom it is also an important part of your preparation for teaching interviews.

2. To describe how you create a positive classroom climate that fits with your teaching philosophy. This will include some examples of how, within the guidelines of your stated teaching philosophy, you will design your classroom so as to prevent problems and create a positive space for learning. This will help you put the theories that we are learning into the planning and practice of your teaching.

3. To devise two solutions for anticipated classroom issues that could occur in your practicum (or future teaching). The point here is to recognize that there can be many â€œrightâ€ and theoretically grounded solutions to classroom problems. What works for one student or one classroom may not work for another so having more solutions in your teaching arsenal is always useful. This will also help you pre-plan for these issues so that you may feel more confident as you enter into the teacher role.

Specific Assignment Criteria

Based on your reading activities and what you have learned in this class you will create a plan of how you will move beyond classroom management and create a positive classroom environment that fits with your teaching philosophy. You will also include an example of a difficult situation and give two ways that you could constructively respond to that situation. You have the option of working on your own or in pairs on this assignment (but if you choose to work in pairs be sure to find someone who shares a similar teaching philosophy). The specific assignment criteria and grading is as follows:

1. How I plan to move beyond Classroom Management:

â€¢ Describe WHY you would want to create a classroom environment that focuses on more than just classroom management. Include the following:

a. Why classroom management is lacking (i.e., insufficient on its own)

b. Your basic teaching philosophy (your values, beliefs about teaching)

c. Integrate the readings from this class into points a and b above (where applicable). Use citations learned in 311 (at least 3) so it is clear which parts are your opinion and which parts are based on research.

â€¢ 2 pages maximum

2. My plan for creating and maintaining positive classroom environments that fit with my teaching philosophy:

â€¢ Describe HOW you plan to create positive classroom environments. Include details (with examples) of how you ideally plan to:

a. Create supportive and safe environments

b. Build positive, respectful relationships

c. Foster SEL

d. Prevent problems

â€¢ Note: Be sure that your plan fits with your teaching philosophy (as stated in part 1) and that you include/integrate the readings from this class (with citations). Be sure to use citations for each of a-dâ€”at least 1 for each section

â€¢ 4 pages maximum

3. My ideas on how to handle a difficult situation:

â€¢ Write up a short case of a difficult situation you have witnessed in a classroom (or one that you havenâ€™t seen but are worried about)â€”1 page maximumâ€”may be single spaced. Come up with two ways that you would attempt to deal with that difficult situation. Include a:

a. Clear example case of difficult situation/behaviour (that specifies the actors involved in the situation and the context surrounding/leading to the problem).

b. First example of how you might successfully address the situation/behaviour.

c. Second example of how you might address the situation/behaviour.

d. Possible limitations of your solutions (i.e. what might still go wrong)â€”this can done separately or integrated into your solutions (part b and c)

â€¢ Note: Be sure that your solutions fit with how you stated you would set up your environment and with your teaching philosophy (and that they are two different solutions that you might actually use)

â€¢ 4 pages maximum (total page count is 4â€”1 single spaced page for case and 3 double spaced pages for solutions)

Assignment: Moving Beyond Classroom Management On the basis of r...