As
an effective educator, it is important to have set values and ideals. If one is
to enter classrooms without a concept of how they want their class to be run,
then it is a recipe for disaster. Some of the concepts that should be addressed
consist of classroom environments and management, lesson plans, learning
activities, grading, student evaluation, ways of learning, and a teacher’s role
in all of it.
Creating a classroom and managing it will not only affect the mood of the room
but also the effectiveness of what is being taught. I believe that the
classroom environment should be welcoming. The first thing a student should
notice when walking in on the first day would be posters or decorations around
the room. They should be excited to spend some time every day for nine months
in your classroom. Additionally, a classroom should not be stagnant. It should
change in decorum and theme based on the time of year or what is occurring in
the class. Keeping the classroom updated will help students to feel like they
are not in a monogamous setting, in turn, keeping them engaged with their
surroundings. Managing the classroom is also important and can be incorporated
into the environment. Having students switch seats or switching the seating in
the room allows students to not only feel the change, but it also helps to
prevent students from being in the back of the classroom the entire year.
Beyond the physical aspect of the classroom, it is also important to have a
handle on what is occurring inside the classroom. Returning to the idea of
managing a classroom, it also entails the managing of the children in the
classroom. This management should be done through preventative teaching and
rewarding good behaviors. By teaching the students what is expected of them,
such as giving them a rubric when assigning the work. Additionally, instead of
threatening repercussions for bad behaviors, offer rewards for behaviors and
work methods.
Lesson planning, activities, and how students learn are all interconnected.
Lesson plans should include interactive projects and assignments that have a
connection to how students learn. Lesson plans should also be easily adjusted
and looked at as a guideline for the class rather than a set itinerary. The lesson
plan should also have alternative activities if the students are not involved
or engaged in the original assignment. I believe that’s students learn through
many different methods based on the multiple intelligences that should all be
incorporated into the classroom Through each of these assignments, students
should not only learn what is required by the state but also what would be
useful in life.
The method of grading some items should not be on an overall scale but a more
individualized one. Tests should be based on comprehension rather than
memorization. Having open conversations in class and questions prompted during
class to show the level of comprehension also will help in the evaluation
process. With paper writing or more creative assignments, a student should be
judged on improvements from their previous writing assignments rather than what
is expected for students their age.
Lastly, the role of an educator is one that should be known the most. A
teacher’s job is to help prepare their students for what comes after
state-required schooling. A teacher is to care about the student, not only
academically, but as a person with a life outside of school. The most important
role of a teacher is to be a positive influence on their student. Teaching them
not only the required materials but how to live a happy and healthy life is one
of the most crucial parts of educating.
