Creating a Productive Learning Environment

Creating a Productive Creating a Productive Learning EnvironmentLearning Environment

Chapter FourteenEducational Psychology: Developing

Learners 6th edition

Jeanne Ellis Ormrod

Environments Conducive Environments Conducive to Learningto Learning

A well-managed classroom is one in which students are consistently engaged in productive learning.

Effective classrooms are the result of effective classroom management.

Jeanne Ellis OrmrodEducational Psychology: Developing Learners, sixth edition

Copyright © 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

All rights reserved.

Effective Classroom ManagementEffective Classroom Management

Teachers with effective classroom management skills:◦Physically arrange the classroom in a way that

minimizes distractions and facilitates teacher-student interaction

◦Create a climate in which students feel they belong and are intrinsically motivated to learn

◦Set reasonable limits for behavior◦Plan activities that encourage on-task behavior ◦Continually monitor what students are doing◦Modify instructional strategies when necessary




Arranging the ClassroomArranging the Classroom

Minimize distractions

Facilitate teacher-student interaction◦Students seated closer to the teacher pay more

attention and are more interactive.

Survey the entire class◦Check for signs of boredom, frustration, etc.




The Classroom ClimateThe Classroom Climate

The climate is the overall psychological atmosphere of the classroom.◦Students should feel safe and secure.◦Students should believe learning is a high

priority.◦Students should be willing to take risks and

make mistakes.




Strategies for Creating an Strategies for Creating an Effective Classroom Climate Effective Classroom Climate

Form and maintain a productive relationship with every student◦Be well prepared for class◦Demonstrate that you enjoy teaching◦Communicate high but realistic expectations for

student performance◦Include students in decision making and in

evaluation of their work◦Acknowledge that everyone has an “off” day

now and then




Strategies for Creating an Strategies for Creating an Effective Classroom ClimateEffective Classroom Climate

Establish a businesslike yet nonthreatening atmosphere

Communicate appropriate messages about subject matter

Give students a sense of control

Promote a sense of community and belonging




Setting LimitsSetting Limits

Chaos reigns in classrooms without guidelines for appropriate behavior.

Setting reasonable limits promotes productive behavior and contributes to students’ socialization.

How can you set useful and reasonable limits?◦ Establish initial rules and procedures◦ Present rules and procedures in an informational

rather than controlling manner◦ Periodically review existing rules and procedures◦ Acknowledge students’ feelings about classroom

requirements◦ Enforce rules consistently and fairly




Keeping Students on TaskKeeping Students on Task

Effective teachers keep students on task by:◦Keeping students productively engaged and on

task◦Choosing developmentally appropriate tasks◦Providing structure and support so students

know exactly what they need to do◦Adequately planning for transitions




““Withit” TeachersWithit” Teachers

“Withit” teachers know what students are doing at all times in the classroom.

They regularly scan the classroom for misbehaviors.

They make regular eye contact with students.

They know when, and often why, misbehaviors occur.




How “Expert” Teachers How “Expert” Teachers Manage the ClassroomManage the Classroom

Rather than focusing on what students are doing wrong, expert teachers:◦Modify their instructional strategies so that

students are more productive◦Ask, “How can I better capture students’

interest and excitement? Are my students bored?”




Dealing with MisbehaviorsDealing with Misbehaviors

Misbehavior is any action that has the potential to disrupt students’ learning and planned classroom activities.

Teachers should plan ahead, as much as possible, when considering how to deal with misbehaviors.




Helpful Strategies for Dealing Helpful Strategies for Dealing with Misbehaviorwith Misbehavior

Ignore the behaviorCue the student by using a signal that indicates

the desired behaviorDiscuss the problem privately with the studentTeach self-regulation strategiesUse behaviorist approaches, such as applying

extinction and/or reinforcing an incompatible behavior

Use a combination of cognitive and behavioral techniques

Confer with parents




Aggression and Violence at SchoolAggression and Violence at School

Aggression is more likely at school and in places with minimal supervision than any other place.

Most aggression at school involves psychological harm, minor physical injury, and destruction of property.




The Roots of Aggression The Roots of Aggression and Violenceand Violence

Lack of perspective-takingMisinterpretation of social cuesPoor social problem-solving skillsPoor home or neighborhood environmentBelief that aggression is an appropriate

way of resolving conflicts




Early Warning Signs of Early Warning Signs of Violent BehaviorViolent Behavior

Social withdrawal Excessive feelings of

isolation, rejection, or persecution

Rapid decline in academic performance

Poor coping skills and lack of anger control

Inappropriate role models

Excessive alcohol or drug use

Sense of superiority Lengthy grudges Violent themes in

drawings and written work

Intolerance of differences

History of violence Inappropriate access to

firearms Threats of violence




Preventing School ViolencePreventing School Violence

Create a schoolwide environment that minimizes the potential for aggression and violence

Intervene early for students at riskProvide intensive intervention for students

in trouble




Recommended Strategies to Recommended Strategies to Combat Gang-Related HostilitiesCombat Gang-Related Hostilities

Develop, communicate, and enforce clear-cut policies regarding potential threats to school safetyIdentify the specific nature and scope of gang activity Forbid symbols that signify membership in a particular gangActively mediate between-gang and within-gang disputes




Taking Student Diversity Taking Student Diversity into Accountinto Account

Some students from lower SES backgrounds are exposed to violence almost daily.◦Their classroom should feel affectionate, safe,

and orderly.

Remember that some “misbehaviors” may be culturally dictated.◦Inappropriate behaviors in one culture may be

appropriate in another culture.




Working with Other Faculty Working with Other Faculty MembersMembers

Communicate and collaborate regularlyForm common goals regarding students’

learningEstablish a shared set of strategies for

encouraging productive student behaviorCommit to promoting equality and

multicultural sensitivity throughout the school community




Working with ParentsWorking with Parents

Recognize the important role parents play in students’ lives

Communicate on a regular basis ◦Share students’ progress◦Coordinate efforts to increase the likelihood of

success◦Avoid blaming parents for students’ behaviors

or shortcomings




Documents

Creating a Productive Learning Environment