Establishing a Positive Classroom Climate - M4.U1.A3

Positive Classroom Environment

Constructing a Positive Classroom

Setting up a positive classroom is an essential part of being a teacher. A positive classroom changes the students learning and behavioral dynamics.

Safety is one of the number one things that a teacher should establish in their class. The teacher must be able to let the students feel that they are always cared for and that they will be safe in the class. Safety is not just limited to physical harm. Safety can also refer to a student's emotional well-being. In the classroom, students must be able to feel like they are able to express themselves and integrate themselves without any hindrances.

Another thing that helps contribute to a positive class is when students are heard and when they feel like they have a voice. Students like to feel as if the classroom belongs to them. They need to feel comfortable with a sense of ownership when they enter into a learning environment --- Ex. Say a student has finished their work early. Instead of pestering their neighbors, they can choose one of three options to do quietly while their classmates are working. When students feel like they have a say in what they do, they feel more prideful of their education and, as a result, respect the rules and classroom more. Encouraging the students to effectively make choices will only enrich their involvement and independence in the classroom.

The last thing I will mention before I talk about my own personal classroom dynamics is expectations. Students must have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. For elementary age students, these expectations must be continuously reminded to them. You cannot simply just tell the students their expectations once at the beginning of the year, and think they will be able to follow them properly. This time in their lives they are still working out who they are and formulating their own personalities. So, this time is especially important for the elementary school teacher to set positive and clear expectations for the students, and to reinforce them daily.

Personal Classroom Dynamics

I have been teaching over in South Korea now for nearly 4 four years and it has always been important for me to set a positive classroom environment. I personally felt that it was one of the most important things I had to install in my classroom because, for many of these students, I am their only interaction with a westerner. So if my class is chaotic or I am conducting the class in a way that is anything less than positive, my students might end up looking at all westerners or English in a negative way. I always try and maintain a calm demeanor in front of the students whenever any of them misbehaves. I also try and make English exciting for them and make them laugh. As a foreign English teacher, it is a priority of mine to make sure the students are comfortable and able to enjoy the class.

I work at a Foreign Language Center, so all of the neighboring town schools come and visit my center. In a normal semester Monday - Wednesday, I will teach the surrounding area schools’ grades 3-6. Since I only see these students once a semester, it is extremely important for me to set the expectations and rules of the center in a very quick, simple, and easy to understand way. Since I go through these expectations and rules daily, it is very easy to assess the students and communicate with them at their level. One thing that is difficult to do is to build relationships with the students since I only see them for a short period.

On Thursdays and Fridays, I teach the same set of grade 1 and grade 2 students. These days are my chance to build more of a connection with the students. Also during these classes, it is important for me to stay consistent with my learners. We do a points system where the students are clear on their expectations and how to receive points. I encourage participation as much as possible. The key component of my class is to motivate students to try their best and for them to not be afraid when making mistakes. English is a learning process and can be fun if students are engaged properly.

The last thing I want to talk about is building relationships with the students outside of the classroom. In my tiny town, there aren't many foreigners, and since my wife and I have taught here for so long, we are mini celebrities in Gokseong. Everyone knows our names and any child in our town from kindergarten through high school, has been taught by us in some capacity. Since the students see us all the time outside of class, we really try and invest in them when we are not at school. We are always asking questions about their lives and what they are doing. We often go to the park and exercise/play frisbee, and it’s fun to have our students join us. To build a great classroom climate teachers must also be willing to put in the ‘work’ outside of the classroom and invest in students’ lives.

Overall, students need to be cared for and shown their importance. By teachers providing safety, student ownership, and clear expectations, the students will be able to excel in the classroom. It has been rewarding to see these approaches come to life with my personal experience. I will always continue to encourage my students and hope that it will only help them believe in themselves along the way.