Classroom Culture

As an incoming high school mathematics teacher the classroom culture is critical to my success and to the ability of the students to learn.  The trick is to balance the rules and organization without stifling the students desire to learn.  A classroom must be a place of safety that allows students to open their hearts and minds for learning.  The rules must clearly state what behavior is unacceptable while allowing the student enough freedom to escape the traditional constraints and open his mind to new possibilities in education.  In my classroom, I will discourage bad behavior and reward good behavior, innovative thinking, group discussions, openness, and  learning.

Class control is extremely important.  I believe that rules and structure provide one necessary component of class control but the culture of the classroom must be developed for a student to want to go to class.  The concept of an ideal classroom , at least in my mind, includes a culture that promotes happiness in learning.  Students should want to come.  They should believe that I care about them and know each one of them individually.  I want to be the students support and mentor for advancing their skills in math.  Math is extremely important in the new economy and students who do not learn math will not be able to participate in many jobs within the economy.  The students are our future and we need to arm them with the knowledge they need for success in life.  The classroom culture should harness technology, reward innovation, support individuals, solve problems in groups, and create a desire to learn more.  I hope that my students want to come to my class.  If I spend all of my time focused on broken rules I will have failed.  I want my classroom environment to be so interesting and innovative that students want to come even if hard work is required.

Rules have to be followed but should not be the focus of our classroom.  Our purpose is to learn.  I will use innovative teaching methodologies and technology to interest the students.  Many students in math have already developed an aversion to the subject area.  Many students, and the majority of female students, do not feel that they can excel in math.  I want my classroom to be the place they can break through the barrier and build a foundation. 

In order to have an effective classroom with a positive and caring environment the teacher must also follow

certain rules.

Rules for the teacher:

-          Talk to your students by using their first name.

-          Start and end class on time.

-          Reward learning behaviors.

-          Arrange the environment for group and individual work sessions.

-          Provide a safe environment for all students.

o   No Bullying Zone

o   Work Together

o   Keep Trying!

o   If you fail, don’t quit, try again.

-          Integrate technology and innovative teaching methods.

-          Make every student feel important.

-          Communicate your expectations.

-          Communicate rewards and praise.
-          Ask for student participation and opinions.
-          Be Available for students.
-          Work with the math club.
-          Show the students why I love math!
-          Use a new method if the students do not understand the lesson.

-          Encourage your students!

References: 

1. Teaching Tolerance. Culture in the Classroom | Teaching Tolerance. Retrieved March 25, 2014, from http://www.tolerance.org/supplement/culture-classroom

2. Center for Teaching and Learning. Positive Classroom Climate | Center for Teaching and Learning. Retrieved March 25, 2014, from http://cte.udel.edu/publications/handbook-graduate-assistants/getting-started/positive-classroom-climate.html
3. Teacher Certification, Teaching Certificate, Teacher Education & Training. Maintaining a Positive Classroom Environment.Retrieved March 25, 2014, from http://www.teachercertification.org/a/maintaining-a-positive-classroom-environment.html
4. Kelly, M. Secondary Education | Teaching Strategies and Resources for Educators. Creating a Positive Learning Environment. Retrieved March 26, 2014, from http://712educators.about.com/od/classroomhelpers/tp/Creating-A-Positive-Learning-Environment.htm
5. Dennis, K. Kelly Dennis: Chapter 7: A positive classroom environment. Retrieved March 26, 2014, from http://sitemaker.umich.edu/keldenn/chapter_7__a_positive_classroom_environment