Re: Classroom Organisation
Dear Amy,
As we’re sure you are aware, classroom organisation plays an important role in creating an effective learning environment. From our own experience we have found that it is easy to say that organisation is important in the classroom but often we find ourselves asking how I can organise my classroom effectively. Brophy (1982) suggests that effective classroom organisation and group management techniques minimise the distractions caused by behaviour problems thus maximising time spent on task. Classroom organisation can be separated into three components- the management of resources, physical environment and the emotional climate of the classroom. We understand that you know many of the things that create an effective learning environment through your own experiences and study however we thought we would offer you a few tips in order to assist you.
In regards to the management of resources, Pollard and Tann (cited in Cohen, Manion & Morrison, 2004) suggest four criteria to help organise resources in the classroom which are: the appropriateness of the resource, the availability of the resources, the storage of the resources and the maintenance of those resources. It is important for the classroom to be well equipped and for everything to have a place. An untidy classroom creates a disorganised learning environment. Resources also need to be readily accessible for both students and teachers. The less time spent locating a resource the more time is spent on task. This ensures the fluidity of classroom activities and a smooth transition between lessons.
The physical environment also plays an important role in establishing an effective learning environment. Griffiths (et.al, 2002) suggests that an attractive and effective organisation of the classroom can improve the way students learn by providing an atmosphere conducive to motivation, achievement and effort. We, here at Project BEAM have identified what we believe to be the main factors impacting upon creating an effective physical environment which include: the use of space, seating arrangements and the management of noise.
The arrangement of the tables in the classroom is conducive to how the class learns. It is to our understanding that the school you are in has a different view of how the classroom should be set out to you. Every teacher’s classroom will be different and the layout should reflect the classroom teacher’s philosophy. The important thing is to identify what layout works best for you and your students. Table groups or horseshoes which promote social interaction have been known to be the most effective way of arranging tables in the classroom however that is not to say that the others layouts are wrong. Desks need to be arranged so that the teacher has a good view of every student and every student can see the board easily. Individual student needs should be taken into consideration when allocating seats.eg vision problems, especially with distance and glare, personalities and behavioural issues. Table groups encourage students to interact with each other however while this may be an advantage during some lessons it may also be a disadvantage in others. When students are facing each other and not the teacher it is harder to gain eye contact with students and the noise levels will definitely be higher, according to Konza (et.al, 2006). However on the other hand, a more formalised layout with the desks in rows facing the board will suggest more order and task focus and allow for the teacher to easily monitor student activity. The downside to this though is that it doesn’t promote social interaction and the lessons generally become more teacher directed. As we mentioned before there is no right or wrong way to organise your classroom, you just have to find what works best given the students that you will be teaching and the lessons you have planned.
Establishing a positive learning environment and creating a healthy emotional climate can be done in a few different ways. Linking in with the physical setting of the room a bright and cheerful classroom can have an effect on classroom management. This could be established by a visually aesthetic classroom- artwork, bright colours, and positive messages.etc. It is important though not to over stimulate the classroom so that it becomes distracting.
As a teacher the most powerful tool you can have in the classroom is a positive relationship with your students. The children need to feel like that they have a place in the classroom and that they are a valued member. Element 5 of the Professional Teaching Standards states that teachers have a duty to create and maintain safe and challenging learning environments as well as create an environment of respect and rapport (NSWIT, 2006). The following are three simple ways, according to Barry & King (1998), that you can build a positive relationship with your students in order to create a healthy emotional climate:
- Teachers establish positive relationships with students by creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in the classroom using effective verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Teachers can foster positive relationships by establishing and reinforcing routines, rules and procedures and dealing with behaviour problems effectively.
- Teachers need to build positive self-esteem which includes getting to know each student, showing support and encouragement, and sharing oneself evenly will communicate that the teacher values each student in the class.
Other strategies, according to Konza (et.al, 2006) that you can use within the classroom are to greet each student personally, use positive language, interact with students outside of the classroom and use humour. You can also build students self-esteem in the classroom by establishing a Class Post Box where students have the opportunity to write to each other or a Class Message Box where students can write short positive messages about their peers either signed or anonymously.
We hope that we were able to assist you in identifying some strategies you can use to organise your classroom effectively. Remember to not let other colleagues dictate how you organise your room but also take their knowledge and experience into consideration. Sometimes other teachers will have new methods that you aren’t aware of that are effective in classroom, so it is important to take on board as much information and knowledge as you can. Good luck with your classroom.
Kind Regards,
Dear Amy,
As we’re sure you are aware, classroom organisation plays an important role in creating an effective learning environment. From our own experience we have found that it is easy to say that organisation is important in the classroom but often we find ourselves asking how I can organise my classroom effectively. Brophy (1982) suggests that effective classroom organisation and group management techniques minimise the distractions caused by behaviour problems thus maximising time spent on task. Classroom organisation can be separated into three components- the management of resources, physical environment and the emotional climate of the classroom. We understand that you know many of the things that create an effective learning environment through your own experiences and study however we thought we would offer you a few tips in order to assist you.
In regards to the management of resources, Pollard and Tann (cited in Cohen, Manion & Morrison, 2004) suggest four criteria to help organise resources in the classroom which are: the appropriateness of the resource, the availability of the resources, the storage of the resources and the maintenance of those resources. It is important for the classroom to be well equipped and for everything to have a place. An untidy classroom creates a disorganised learning environment. Resources also need to be readily accessible for both students and teachers. The less time spent locating a resource the more time is spent on task. This ensures the fluidity of classroom activities and a smooth transition between lessons.
The physical environment also plays an important role in establishing an effective learning environment. Griffiths (et.al, 2002) suggests that an attractive and effective organisation of the classroom can improve the way students learn by providing an atmosphere conducive to motivation, achievement and effort. We, here at Project BEAM have identified what we believe to be the main factors impacting upon creating an effective physical environment which include: the use of space, seating arrangements and the management of noise.
The arrangement of the tables in the classroom is conducive to how the class learns. It is to our understanding that the school you are in has a different view of how the classroom should be set out to you. Every teacher’s classroom will be different and the layout should reflect the classroom teacher’s philosophy. The important thing is to identify what layout works best for you and your students. Table groups or horseshoes which promote social interaction have been known to be the most effective way of arranging tables in the classroom however that is not to say that the others layouts are wrong. Desks need to be arranged so that the teacher has a good view of every student and every student can see the board easily. Individual student needs should be taken into consideration when allocating seats.eg vision problems, especially with distance and glare, personalities and behavioural issues. Table groups encourage students to interact with each other however while this may be an advantage during some lessons it may also be a disadvantage in others. When students are facing each other and not the teacher it is harder to gain eye contact with students and the noise levels will definitely be higher, according to Konza (et.al, 2006). However on the other hand, a more formalised layout with the desks in rows facing the board will suggest more order and task focus and allow for the teacher to easily monitor student activity. The downside to this though is that it doesn’t promote social interaction and the lessons generally become more teacher directed. As we mentioned before there is no right or wrong way to organise your classroom, you just have to find what works best given the students that you will be teaching and the lessons you have planned.
Establishing a positive learning environment and creating a healthy emotional climate can be done in a few different ways. Linking in with the physical setting of the room a bright and cheerful classroom can have an effect on classroom management. This could be established by a visually aesthetic classroom- artwork, bright colours, and positive messages.etc. It is important though not to over stimulate the classroom so that it becomes distracting.
As a teacher the most powerful tool you can have in the classroom is a positive relationship with your students. The children need to feel like that they have a place in the classroom and that they are a valued member. Element 5 of the Professional Teaching Standards states that teachers have a duty to create and maintain safe and challenging learning environments as well as create an environment of respect and rapport (NSWIT, 2006). The following are three simple ways, according to Barry & King (1998), that you can build a positive relationship with your students in order to create a healthy emotional climate:
- Teachers establish positive relationships with students by creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in the classroom using effective verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Teachers can foster positive relationships by establishing and reinforcing routines, rules and procedures and dealing with behaviour problems effectively.
- Teachers need to build positive self-esteem which includes getting to know each student, showing support and encouragement, and sharing oneself evenly will communicate that the teacher values each student in the class.
Other strategies, according to Konza (et.al, 2006) that you can use within the classroom are to greet each student personally, use positive language, interact with students outside of the classroom and use humour. You can also build students self-esteem in the classroom by establishing a Class Post Box where students have the opportunity to write to each other or a Class Message Box where students can write short positive messages about their peers either signed or anonymously.
We hope that we were able to assist you in identifying some strategies you can use to organise your classroom effectively. Remember to not let other colleagues dictate how you organise your room but also take their knowledge and experience into consideration. Sometimes other teachers will have new methods that you aren’t aware of that are effective in classroom, so it is important to take on board as much information and knowledge as you can. Good luck with your classroom.
Kind Regards,
Project BEAM
