My Classroom Vision |
Classroom Set Up
-In my classroom, I envision:
-Student-made class guidelines -Student-made visuals of course content -Student projects displayed around the room -Chairs in a circle for discussion -Bookshelf filled with resources to inspire student inquiry -Time for mindfulness activities Focus on student centred learning! Inspire students with open discussion, sharing of perspectives, engaging resources, and student-made work. Assessment
The above image summarizes the most important aspects of assessment in my own teaching. My focus is on working together with student to learn and grow. Constant feedback is very important, especially as one-on-one conferencing when possible. The goal is to foster a growth mindset in my students in hope that it will help them become more confident in themselves and their ability to learn. Classroom Management
I believe the fastest way to have good classroom management is to build strong student-teacher relationships. For me, this happens by given students a voice in the classroom, and allowing them choice in how and what they learn. This shows students you care about who they are as individuals and builds respect. However, despite preventative measures, conflict may still arise. It is important in these situations to understand where the student is coming from. Often there are outside factors influencing their actions. By opening up a dialogue it is easier to understand the student's actions and work together to find a solution to the problem. Support from other staff and parents can greatly help the student as well. |
Inclusive Classrooms
As a teacher, I have several strategies in how I would create a safe, healthy, and inclusive classroom. What is most important to me is to create an environment where discussion, listening, respect, and empathy come readily due to an open learning atmosphere. I would create this by implementing talking circles in my lessons. Talking circles are a good way to start and end class as a way to initiate discussion ideas and conclude thoughts, respectively. Not only that, but talking circles give everyone a chance to share their perspectives. This helps build understanding, respect, and empathy between the students, helping build a stronger classroom community. Restorative Justice builds into my idea of a safe and inclusive environment as well. When conflict arises in the classroom, I would want to be able to resolve the conflict through restorative practices. When students discuss the reasons behind conflict, and are able to see the other perspectives, students begin to see the impact their actions have. Students then will work together to come up with a solution by collaborating and trying to understand each other. This results in students taking responsibility for their actions. By giving each student a voice, and giving them agency in how they respond to conflict, this builds understanding and empathy between students. Technology
I believe technology can be used effectively in the classroom only if teachers have put thought into how the tools enhance the material being taught. In my own teaching, I would use technology to improve the organization and collection of assignments, as well as feedback. Tools like Google Classroom have been proven very useful in my own practices. Technology can also be used to help students collaborate both at school and at home. When used effectively, students can have access to course content, assignments, and peer discussion boards that can augment their learning. The most important aspect of technology, however, is to be a life long learner. With technology constantly changing, it is important to keep up to date with new tools and uses of technology. |