Synthesizing Questions #1
- In creating your Classroom Environment Plan what have you done that is different than what you have done in the past?
I have planned for decluttering my room. Much of this plan include some personal organization, but it also means a minimalist approach to the rest of the classroom that students use. I wanted to make more friendly spaces for my students to use. These include a "Brag Board," a place for students to leave work they are very proud of, a "Dream Door," which is the back door to my room painted with whiteboard paint and ready for students goals to be put on the door, and I moved my desk to the back corner of the room instead of the front. - What have you enhanced within your plan that you have done previously in your classroom?
I continue to use tables instead of desks to make sure that students can collaborate with each other, but also creates a nice flow around the room to be able to easily access materials and different areas of the room.
Synthesizing Questions #2
- How are you promoting cognitively challenging and stimulating learning?
Class is cognitively challenging because students will be asked to make goals and attempt to reach those goals. They will be able to show others their success with their goals through the use of the "Dream Door." Class is stimulating because have their own spaces that they can use and be creative with. - What activities are you using that support key learning targets?
The "Dream Door" will support the key learning of how to self-assess in my class. As part of my Action Research, its one of the main things we'll be working on throughout this year. The door is novel, but its also a way for students to show other theirs goals for our class, and commit to achieving them. - How does your environment energize and celebrates learning?
Students will be able to celebrate their learning through the use of the "Dream Door" because they will be able to change their goals as they achieve them. They will also be able to share their proud moments/assignments on the "Brag Board." We can celebrate their success through sharing in several ways.
- How is research supporting your plan?
The research says that decluttering your room makes the classroom more accessible to students and more student centered. McKibben also states that creating an untraditional space in the room gives students a place to gravitate to. I'm hoping that my student centered areas can also become a place to form community bonds, even between two or more different classes that I have throughout the day. - What research has helped influence your plan in setting up the physical environment?
The most influential research I read was from the article "Get Rid of Rows! and Other Tips for a Student-Centered Classroom" by Sarah McKibben. You can read this article for free online by clicking on the link provided.