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Running Header: Week 4 – Effective Learning Environments

Week 4 – Effective Learning Environments

Tatianna Ortega

National University

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for

TED 690−Capstone Course

Daniel Weintraub
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Week 4 – Effective Learning Environments
Abstract

“Classroom environment is one of the most important factors affecting student learning.”

(Young, 2014) This paper will discuss why the classroom environment affects student learning

and how. As a teacher I can already agree with this, and being a student I know how a tense and

stressful environment is not a good place for learning and comprehending.

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Week 4 – Effective Learning Environments
For any student, young or old, being in a positive room for even the smallest amount of

time, is a far greater place to learn in than any time in a negative one. “A positive environment is

one in which students feel a sense of belonging, trust others, and feel encouraged to tackle

challenges, take risks, and ask questions.” (Young, 2014)

One way a teacher can start the day off to a positive start is by greeting all students with a

smile and a hello. Students seeing that their teacher is happy they are there in their class, is a

great way to set up an encouraging tone to start the day. Some students come from homes that

are full of stress and negativity, so when they come to school it is a place to escape and have a

chance to be happy.

Another way to help facilitate a warm and inviting classroom is to have age appropriate

content up around the classroom. While cartoon zoo animals would be appropriate and fun for a

kindergarten class, it wouldn’t be fitting for junior high. Teachers should pick class themes that

are upbeat and something their students can relate too. Something too young for older students

will only make them check out mentally and not want to try. While something too mature for

younger students will only leave them feeling confused and lost.

Teachers also need to remember to leave their personal and home problems outside of

school. Coming to school in a bad mood will not only keep that teachers’ day going bad, but will

in turn change some if not all the student’s moods to more negative. Students also have a lot

going on in their lives, and they don’t need the added pressures of having to deal with an upset or

mad teacher at school too.

Making sure that students come into class every day with a smile is a hard thing for a

teacher to do, but something that can be accomplished once he/she gets to know their students.
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Week 4 – Effective Learning Environments
Once that happens, making sure that your students know what is expected of them in class, but

also know that there is no added stresses or pressures is a huge step. If a student is happy and

comfortable in the class, then they are more likely to want to listen and want to absorb the

material being taught.

Making sure to maintain a positive classroom environment is a huge deal when it comes

to students and their learning successes. When a student knows that they are coming to a class

where they are wanted and knows that they can learn while making mistakes, they will try a little

harder and are not afraid to mess up.

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Week 4 – Effective Learning Environments
References

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. (2016, June). California Teaching

Performance Expectations. Retrieved from Commision on Teacher Credentialing:

https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/educator-prep/standards/adopted-tpes-

2016.pdf

Patricia M. Costantino, M. N. (2009). Developing a Professional Teaching Portfolio. Upper

Saddle River: Pearson.

Young, J. (2014). Encouragement in the Classroom. Retrieved from Association for Supervision

and Curriculum Development:

http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/sf114049/chapters/The-Importance-of-a-

Positive-Classroom.aspx