Teachers need to survey their students early on in the year to see how they learn, what their interests are, what they know and want to learn. With this information, a teacher is better able to understand the class and what is needed for them to be successful. Teachers also need to ensure that there are a variety of learning opportunities for students to be successful. An engaging classroom is a learning classroom. When students are not engaged, students are not motivated. Teachers need to provide the balance based on the needs of the students in the classroom.
An engaging classroom is one where students can collaborate with others, be risk takers, and feel safe. Students need to pose questions, be critical thinkers and feel that they are part of the classroom community.
Vertical Spaces encourages a collaborative learning environment. Students work together in small groups at the the same time on the same work as the other groups at stations all around the classroom. Students will feel more comfortable taking risks in their learning because it is a shared work space. The white boards are non-permanent which allows for erasing and retrying. Having small groups all around the classroom allows other groups to look at the solutions of other students and allows entry into solving the presented problems. Carolyn C
Creating a SAFE learning
environment is key when
learning a new language.
Safe to make mistakes and
safe to experiment with new
vocabulary without anyone
laughing.-Tweedie
Learning is a social experience. Students learn from their teacher and their peers. Creating a collaborative classroom that fosters inquiry and discussion leads to team building and healthy peer to peer relationships. - Rosemary Sagarese
To foster this, i think the physical set-up of the room needs to consider the level of socialization that must take place. Using round tables or flexible seating (in groups or individual) can allow for students to change up their individual learning space and the people with whom their interact. Teachers should encourage students to choose different spots and people every week. - Carla Cattafi
Positive Elements in the Learning Environment
Learner Centredness
Maintain a professionalism that focuses on the development of a child and not the needs of the educator.
As educators, we are also adults, and need to understand that we are dealing with children and should not always expect adult-level behaviour or thinking.
Have the basic mindset that as educators, we are their for the students, they are not their for us.
Teachers can facilitate learning. Encourage students to work with each other, giving feedback to their peers.
Lesson consolidation and student self reflection is where learning takes place. We share strategies and what worked/what didn't...and we grow (Laurie Arcuri)
Students and teacher reflect on lessons and progress. Edwin B
Students are given the opportunity to make choices in their learning and for self-guided learning. Edwin B
Address different learning styles in lessons/units/assessments. Student interests taken into consideration. Student goals addressed in planning (e.g. I want to be able to participate in drama without feeling shy- address and support this learner to achieve their learning goal). Use of specific technology or apps to help students achieve their goals. C. Bennison
Commitment to self improvement - Daniel B
Co-construction of success criteria to foster collaborative feeling between teachers and students - Daniel B
Self-assessments to make self-aware and self-motivated learners - Daniel B
Knowing your students and their backgrounds is so important. I have taken to checking with each and every student each week to see how they are doing at school and outside of school. Minor problems at home or out on the yard have such an impact on our students. By paying attention to those small differences in each of our students, we build that relationship of trust and understanding that will help our students succeed. Just taking that 2-3 minutes with each student makes such a difference. - Calum MK
Differentiated instruction based on learning style; flexible seating; giving students voice and choice (Laurie Arcuri)
Use of different teaching methods and understanding the different learning styles of the students in the class helps to create a more inclusive learning environment. Edwin B
Differentiated Instruction strategies applied to planning and teaching. Address different learning styles, interests, strengths and needs. Share these strengths and interests with others. Gear stations/centers to student needs, strengths, and interests and provide choice. Celebrate each others achievements. Nurture growth with support and scaffolding. Accommodate all learners not just IEP students. C. Bennison
Differentiated instruction and assessment to provide variety and allow all learners the opportunity for success - Daniel B
Addressing issues, teachable moments, etc.
Responsiveness to Motivations and Emotions
This year, I'm at a school where the principal does not believe in consequences but instead offers students rewards for good behaviour. For example, a student who normally speaks out would get a gummy bear for raising their hand. This teaches the student that when they do as they are asked they should get a gummy bear. I have come to learn that this does not effectively alter the student's behaviour, it just motivates them and gives them a false, short-lived sense of accomplishment. When they do as they are asked, aside from the gummy bear, and they don't get rewarded, they become enraged. Depending on how the student is feeling that day, and other outside factors (home life, if they ate breakfast or not, etc.) this could either highly motivate them, or completely frustrate them. Danyelle P.
Growth Mindset - Grit, Perseverance, Power of Yet, Mistakes are OK and help us learn (Laurie Arcuri)
Practicing reflection allows for the teacher to keep a finger on the pulse of the classroom and to respond to the social and emotional needs of the students. Students are also given opportunities to reflect on their learning. Edwin B
School-wide focused attention on improving self-regulation skills. Example: we use Tools for Life program in every grade/class, monthly assemblies to dramatize and discuss key emotions and how to deal with them, yoga, prayer group, focus on developing nurturing caring relationships with all students, a special area in each classroom for calming, quiet alone time, or physical movement (e.g. desk bike, carpet), growth celebrated in self-regulation, clear behaviour expectations in all areas of the school C. Bennison
Accepting and inclusive environment welcoming all learners - Daniel B
- D
My goal is to engage students in authentic language tasks in which they see value. In addition each child needs to feel valued and respected in the classroom.
Maintenance of a respectful atmosphere - Daniel B
Accepting of different learning styles
- Daniel B
Paying attention to student needs and feelings, adapting accordingly - Daniel B
Addressing issues, teachable moments, etc
Assist students develop intrinsic motivation - Jenna C
Getting to know your students is key. What makes them
engage? What gets creativity going? Teacher enthusiam is key as it sets the tone for engaged learning.-Tweedie
flipped classroom-Andrea C. onus is on the kids to access the learning to be prepared for class collaboration following day/week.
there is such a focus on mental health and it is important that the teacher try to have some strategies to recognize is a student is demonstrating certain emotions that require special attention such as anxiety or depression- Laura M
In order to be a good educator the teacher must understand their students and what type of learner they are. Some require hands-on learning, some require technology, some are able to learn through inquiry and some still rely on direct. Knowing your students learning styles and what motivates them is essential in obtaining a successful learning enviornment. - Rosemary Sagarese
I am aware of each of my student's learning style and the space in the classroom that they like to learn best. I am aware of their social and emotional well-being prior to their academics. I provide them with a variety of ideas, applications and tools they wish to express their learning based on their interests. I encourage them to make choices for themselves and become self- driven.
This year I was shocked to be advised to use lots of extrinsic motivators like candy, stickers, and other tangible rewards. I was really confused when I got that direction from my admin. After implementing this, I really noticed how the success rate is short-lived and does not replace good classroom structure and management. - Carla Cattafi
Emotions are so important! We are made up of body and soul (not just brain), and our students undergo growth and learning into young adults before our eyes. Learning balanced emotional health is a key factor for success as an adult, and it can't be ignored. As Catholic teachers, we strive to teach to the "whole" student, and understanding and assessing the emotional state of our students will help us understand how to better teach them. -Karen D'Souza
Students need to see value in their assignments. When they see how the information or task relates to other subjects or to themselves personally they are motivated to learn and try their best. Fausta N.
Horizontal Connectedness
Making cross curricular connections is imperative to connect learning. Ties to the community and real world applications should be implemented as often as possible. (John Docherty)
We use technology as frequently as possible in my FSL classroom which provides many cross-curricular links. Edwin B
link/integrate subject expectations in planning your units and inquiries- keep them focused on student interests not just curriculum expectations- C.Bennison
Variation in class structure (independent, small group, full group) - Daniel B
Connections to real-world applications and examples - Daniel B
Inclusion of technologies for accessibility and augmentation - Daniel B
Lessons that are cross-cirricular are presented. Students are encouraged to make connections themselves, others texts are the world. Conversations are encouraged which will allow student reflection.
Using current events and real-life people, places in activities and lessons provides opportunities for students to explore, question, make personal and cross-curricular connections and helps them to extend their learning about the world. Technology (videos, blogs, images, etc.) can help bring many aspects of the world into the learning environment and provide authentic experience for students. G. Parent
Reflection and discussion are necessary in the classroom. Inquiry based learning is essential to learning
Teach students about the world we live in, different cultures
and guide them to be valuable members of our society. Students should be able to make connections to the information they are learning in the classroom to the outside world. Ashley
Remembering that students are not all on the same playing field. So DI really needs to be centred around how to teach skills in ways that do not favour or advantage/disadvantage certain knowledges, experiences, cultures, etc. - Carla Cattafi
students need to ask questions and be engaged with learning. When students are engaged, more questions are asked and learning is authentic.
Asking students about their weekend, new things
in their world with have them engage in conversations
in a welcoming group setting.-Tweedie
Clear Communication
Using rubrics and checklists so that students are able to easily determine if they are meeting assignment requirements.
Maintaining a professional and open dialogue with parents to inform them of their child's progress.
Ensuring that students have a good understanding of what is expected in the classroom environment.
Expectations are communicated, students actively achieving them. (John Docherty)
Create learning goals and success criteria together so students feel involved and take responsibility for their learning (Laurie Arcuri)
Providing timely feedback to students about progress and areas to improve upon.
Clear communications of expectations for assignments. Provide students with a rubric.
Open communication with students, parents and colleagues.
Flipped Classroom-Andrea C kids are accessing learning from home, parents stay in the loop with all learning and are better able to support their kids. also while accessing teaching videos kids can stop, pause, rewind at their will allowing for clearer communication
Create Code of Conduct together as a class, creates ownership - K.Lyons
Clear Expectations - Jenna C
Create a classroom Code of Conduct - Jenna C
Build relationships - Jenna C
A healthy and successful student is built upon the partnership of home, school and church. Therefore consistent and timely communication is optimal. Fausta. N.
Heep open lines of communication with students and parents by providing clear expectations and feedback on student progress. This can be achieved through the use of various digital tools. G. Parent
Clear communication can also consider how we give feedback or how students prefer to receive feedback. We can use: teacher-student conferencing, parent-teacher conferencing, parent-teacher-student conferencing, audio feedback clips, videos with feedback so students can re-watch, written/typed feedback, checklists, etc. - Carla Cattafi
Students need to feel they can accomplish anything. By having a safe, fun and mistakes are great classroom, students will move from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. What your students walk into first thing in the morning ,sets the tone for the rest of the day :-) Jesse Loncke
Growth Mindset
Model the growth mindset by admitting that teachers are fallible and constantly failing, learning, and growing also.
Change the language of "I can't" to "I can't YET".
Students should understand that life and school is for growth, and not just for evaluation and success.
Social Nature of Learning
As educators we should be accessible and open with our students, and have them understand that we are collaborators in their learning.
High expectations for respecting every individual in the classroom as reflected by positive social values.
Make the classroom a social environment where collaboration is encouraged.
Need to recognize that collaborative learning applies to every aspect of education, from teaching, to administration, to professional development. K.Lyons
All students voices are heard and respected.
Integration of technology allows for collaborative learning opportunities.
Opportunities for collaborative learning.
Students encourage each other (modelled by teacher) and celebrate each other's successes.
Higher ability students help to support lower ability students
Fun, non-competitive, team building activities at beginning of the year. Community centered schools with parent involvement. Special evening activities promoting unity. Fun, humour in the classroom. Group work with roles taught. Teach students how to disagree with respect (e.g. sample sentence starters etc.) Share learning online for community to see (e.g. blogs, social media). C. Bennison
Students need to work collaboratively in order to develop the skills required in the 21st century. They learn to communicate, build relationships, problem solve, challenge their thinking and cooperate. Fausta. N.
Accepting and inclusive environment welcoming all learners
Respecting diversity of culture and belief
Supportive and familial-like environment
Team effort towards goals
Maintenance of a respectful atmosphere
Attentive and respectful listeners
Respecting the classroom volume to allow students to work
No bullying/teasing
Variation in class structure (independent, small group, full group)
Accepting of different learning styles
Flipped Classroom-Andrea C allows kids to spend time collaborating with eachother and teacher to help those really struggling
Community: By creating a sense of community in the classroom, students will feel open, free, belonging, and included. this will directly relate to their participation and willingness in class activities as well as their interactions with others. Building a community may extend outside of the classroom into the school and Church, creating a sense of oneness and empowerment.
Inquiry based learning is a result of a child's social nature and curiosity. Working together on tasks allows students the opportunity to learn from each other and giving them the choice to work with others or on their own reflects their own personal learning styles- Laura M
Student Driven - Jenna C
Attention to Differences
The environment offers students the opportunity to choose their best learning space as well as the many options for expressing their learning based on each student's unique learning style. I am aware of each student's background (family and academics) and respond to their needs and differences on a professional basis.
Challenges
Building resilient students who can handle hard-work and failure, with perseverance and dedication.
Preparing students mentally and academically for the challenges that will be faced in different stages of their lives and that it should be prepared for, not feared.
Instilling students with the concept that challenges are good and help us grow as individuals and as a group.
Having high expectations is important for students to reach their full potential. Students need to develop critical thinking skills. Feedback must be constant to ensure students can see how they are meeting their learning goals. (John Docherty)
Teaching in the zone of proximal development to maximize student learning. When student learning is scaffolded upon with new challenges that they connect to - student learning is enhanced. (Laurie Arcuri)
Students are held to high expectations with clear attainable goals.
Success criteria is clearly stated and revisited in order to assess learning.
Students are taught material that is challenging yet not overwhelming.
Have high expectations for all students- for behaviour and achievement. Survey student interests at the beginning of the year and try to incorporate these interests in your planning. Give students some choice and responsibility in planning. Use gradual release of responsibility for learning (e.g. responses or reflections about their reading/learning) C.Bennison
High expectations should be maintained for all. Fausta. N.
Commitment to self improvement
Connections to real-world applications and examples
Students are to be challenged in a way that suits their learning needs, yet pushes them to extend their minds at the same time. If students feel safe in the learning environment, they may be willing enough to respond to academic, social, emotions, etc. challenged presented to them in the classroom. - Carla Cattafi
flipped classroom-Andrea C kids are able to access learning at their pace. those ahead of the game can zoom ahead; those struggling can get support from peers and teachers
Great way to define differentiation. I always say that technology is naturally differentiated. Truth is, that focused, technology-enabled learning is differentiation at its best. Students can stop, start, move ahead..with peer, teacher, and sometimes outside the classroom support/feedback
Teachers need to encourage students to be risk takers and challenge them so they can become problem solvers and decision makers. Activities where students can practice these skills will help teach them the importance of these skills in society.
This is what I am learning that my role as a teacher is teach kids how to learn. I remember, not that long ago, where I sat down, watched the teacher do a problem and then copied it. It worked for me, but certainly not for many of my friends and classmates. NOW, I see that it is more important to teach our students how to approach problems and how to link their knowledge and activate prior knowledge and use it to puzzle out problems. This is a real-life skill and it can be seen in classes all over that students forget from one year to the next certain aspects of the curriculum that they learned. However, they don't forget how to problem solve and the knowledge will come back to them when they need it when they know how to positively and effectively approach problems. (I am looking at it from more of a math perspective). - Calum MK
So important how that student feels in your classroom. I find that students need to have had success in classroom and feel they are competent learners to be able to respond in a positive way to challengine work. Teachers need to reward questions and mistakes are important aspects of learning and make sure students understand this. Once that is achieved you can take a learner any where in your learning environment. Carolyn C
Peer feedback is a great way to develop
problem-solving and confidence.-Tweedie
The environment is organized, inviting and comfortable. Students are aware of the importance of collaboration, communication, inclusivity, encouragement and develop positive peer relationships. Each student experiences success through recognition of their work.
With so many different learners in one class, it can be challenging to challenge each one appropriately. Open types of activities can help students learn and demonstrate their learning based on their particular learning style, skills and knowledge. It is then up to teachers to give feedback that will move them forward. G. Parent
A challenging environment is created where students are able to develop reasoning skills, are able to debate with others and learn how to say 'no' to others when they do not agree on a subject matter. Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks by trying out new ideas, solving problems, being resourceful, inventive and creative.
Having an extra 'challenge' on top
of the required work will create a challenging
environment.-Tweedie
As adolescents they love to debate and will pull all kinds of evidence together to prove their positions-developing debating skills assists with communication and accountable talk- Laura M
Students love to debate and share their opinion in the classroom. By allowing students research a certain topic and defend their opinion gives students the confidence to participate in an intimidating environment. Ashley
As they get older they often look for the "easy way"
to do things and often need reminding that the challenge is
important- and doing so using technology with their own unique ideas can also be a challenge
to-Laura M
Main topic
Diversity Respected
It's important to know and respect where Ss are coming from in creating a positive learning environment that enables each individual to grow emotionally, socially and academically. By establishing a personal rapport with students, teachers can gain an understanding of who they are. What cultural beliefs and values do they have? What personal and academic experiences have they had? What prior knowledge do they have? What type of learner they are? What are their interests? What are their needs? How can their learning be supported?
G. Parent
John D
Model our classroom by mirroring the diversity and acceptance that is found outside the school environment.
Using the differences of individuals to make a group stronger and to learn more successfully.
Accepting and promoting of the concept that every individual is different.
Students should always feel welcomed and respected. A safe learning community is a strong learning community where students can succeed. Differences should be appreciated. (John Docherty)
Recognizing that all students are unique in their own way, be it their reading level, athletic ability or personality
Integration of culture so activities are meaningful (FNMI) Laurie Arcuri
Understanding student's social, economic and cultural backgrounds and selecting material that is appropriate.
Frequent assessment and tracking of student progress.
Teacher understands the different learning needs of students and creates lessons that accommodate student needs.
Address the cultural diversity of the school community, celebrate special traditional holidays or acknowledge on the PA system, wheelchair accessible, FM/PA systems for hearing impaired or students with auditory processing problems, technology for all student needs. C. Bennison
Every child should feel accepted and respected. They should be able to identify themselves within the lessons. Fausta. N.
Accepting and inclusive environment welcoming all learners - Daniel B
Respecting diversity of culture and belief - Daniel B
Accepting of different learning styles - Daniel B
Create a sense of belonging - Jenna C
Diversity should be respected and encouraged - Jenna C
Building a culture of respect from the beginning of the year is important. One way to do this could be to integrate the cultures and identities present in the classroom within the lessons. Also presenting learning and materials from different perspectives will help students to think more critically and even question their own opinions/beliefs. - Carla Cattafi
Assessment for Learning
Getting a base foundation of students prior knowledge allows teachers to direct their learning. Opportunities to recall prior information, fill in gaps are imperative. Learning goals to be presented, and student assisted success criteria. (John Docherty)
Edwin B
Subtopic
Routine is predictable, expectations are clear, beginning of the year set the classroom routines and rules for conduct with the students (student-created rules). Provide success criteria checklists or create them with the students. Meet one to one with students to review their products/learning and provide feedback for improvement if needed. Use technology to support assessment (e.g. post on Google Classroom expectations, success criteria, rubrics, post sample work with levels). C. Bennison
Daniel B
Inclusion of technologies for accessibility and augmentation
Differentiated instruction and assessment to provide variety and allow all learners the opportunity for success
Co-construction of success criteria to foster collaborative feeling between teachers and students
Self-assessments to make self-aware and self-motivated learners
High expectations with structured achievement goals
If we could just do away with report cards! Focusing on formative assessment is more beneficial to students- it allows them to set clear goals to achieve and they remember the informal conversations rather than the formal comment on a report card- Laura M
Enables teachers to use information about students' knowledge, understanding and skills to inform their teaching - Jenna C
Teachers provide feedback to students about their learning and how to improve - Jenna C
Students need to share in the assessment process. Before any task, teachers and students need to form success criteria so that students can understand what is needed to be successful. Students need to be provided with feedback consistently so they can improve. When students are having difficulty, they need to feel that they can ask for help.
Expectations should be clear, with examples.
Encourage peer feedback before the completion of a task.
-Tweedie
This is probably the most challenging aspect of creating a positive learning environment - finding time to give good feedback that helps the student in their journey of learning. Especially in "busy classrooms" where students require a lot of support it is difficult to find the time to meet with students and give them that 1 on 1 feedback. Using technology may help with this but again time is a challenge - where to find time to open up audio files, listen and then provide feedback for a class of 20 or more students. As educators we will need to find time in that learning environment to meet with students while the rest are busy with their learning time - staying on task! Sounds good typed out, but I have yet achieved that in my class! Carolyn C
Very true! I find most of my assessment for learning is done informally by observing students and how they interact with the materials, answer questions, and by reading their non-verbal cues. This way I can offer them extra help off-the-cuff and anticipate questions they will have as I circulate the classroom during class work. -Karen D'Souza
I have to agree that I use this type of informal assessment the most. I think it is probably the best use of our time and also very efficient as it is immediate and relevant to the student in the moment. I find that if you can identify and deal with roadblocks as they occur, chances are you can clarify their understanding while also alleviating stress and frustration which may be preventing them from moving forward. G. Parent
Providing students with visual examples of level 3 tasks
helps them also to have a clear understanding of success criteria-particularly for those students on an IEP-Laura M.
Students are aware of their expectations in the classroom regarding relationships and academics. Students are provided with rubrics prior to an assessment and are informed of the learning objectives prior to each lesson. Formative and summative feedback is provided consistently and support and intervention are provided when necessary.
