Learning Episode 5

Creating an Appropriate Learning Environment

Target your intended Learning Outcome

At the end of this episode, I must be able to:

▪ Plan on how to manage time, space and resources; and
▪ Provide a learning environment appropriate to the learners and conducive to learning.

5.1 Managing Time, Space and Learning Resources

OBSERVE

Observe and use the observation sheet provided for you to document your observations.

1. As you observe the class, look into the characteristics of the learners. Note their ages.

The dominant characteristics of learners in grade 5 is that they are well disciplined, they easily
follow the rules implemented by their teachers. In this grade level age bracket are mostly around 9-11
years old.

2. How many boys are there? How many girls?

The number of learners varies from one section to another. For example, in MOGC they have 16
girls and 12 boys.

3. Focus on their behaviour. Are they able to manage their own behaviour?

In terms of learners' behaviour they are able to manage it well as far as I was able to observe.

4. Can the learners already work independently?

Unfortunately, even though they are well behaved the grade 5 learners cannot work much
independently. These learners need assistance from time to time as they tend to get confused with
instructions most of the time.

5. Describe their span of attention.

The learners in 5th grade have quite a good amount of attention span. They always listen to
their teacher during the discussion and would really focus on it.

ANALYZE

Analyze and answer these questions on observed classroom management practices. It is also good to ask
the teacher for additional information, so you can validate your observation. Write your notes below,
and then organize your data in the Table that follows.
1. Are there areas in classroom for specific purposes (storage of teaching aids, books, student’s
belongings, supplies, etc.)? Describe these areas. Will it make a difference if these areas for specific
purposes are not present?

Each classroom in the 5th grade classroom has their areas with specific purposes. They have a
place where they put their belongings such as books and other extra school supplies that are being put
in an envelope. In addition, there are also spaces as I have observed where learners put their cleaning
materials such as brooms and mops. These spaces makes a big difference in classroom management as
it makes the classroom more organized and neat.

2. Are there rules and procedures posted in the room? List them down. Do these rules reinforce
positive behaviour?

In the classroom that I have observed there are no posted rules and procedures in the
classroom. However within the class there are imposed set of rules its just that they are not posted in
the physical classroom.

3. Did the students participate in making the classroom rules? If the Resource Teacher is
available, ask him/her to describe the process. What’s the effect of students’ participation in rule-
making on student’s behaviour?

The teacher allowed her students to participate in the making of classroom rules. According to
her it depends on the teacher’s creativity on how to conduct the rule-making activity. Personally, she
divided students into groups and have them come up with a list of at least 10 classroom rules that apply
both inside and outside the classroom. These rules cover things like behavior during lessons and being
on time. And this approach helps students take ownership of their behavior and actions.

4. What are the daily routines done by the Resource Teacher? (prayer, attendance, assignment
of monitors, warm-up activities, etc.) How are they done?

The class always starts with the learners cleaning their classroom, every morning the assigned
cleaners would sweep and mop the floor first thing in the morning. After so, at around 7:10 in the
morning they will start their morning routine with a prayer led by the assigned group of learners. The
morning routine is composed of the morning prayer, and then followed by a reading of a bible verse.
After so they will recite the assigned reflection of the day, followed by a prayer to the virgin Mary and
for the beatification of mother Ignacia Del Espiritu Santo. Ater this they will then sing the national
anthem which will be conducted by one of the students, and then they will recite the Panatang
Makabayan and Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinaas, which is then followed by the singing of Tayo’y
Dabawenyo still conducted by one of the students. After this they will recite the school’s vision, mission,
goal, and quality policy. After that they will sing the university hymn still having one of the students to
conduct it, then they will greet each other in chorus. With the remaining time they have the teacher will
then give some announcement. Whereas the class secretary will check whether her classmates’ is in
complete uniform, boys haircut, and attendance as well.
5. Is there a seating arrangement? What is the basis of this arrangement? Does this help to
managing the class?

The class certainly have a seating arrangement, their seating arrangement is tailored to
accommodate students' specific needs, such as those with health concerns like nearsightedness
or asthma, as well as students requiring extra support, whether it's related to behavior or
academics. This approach simplifies the process of monitoring students' progress and allows us
to promptly identify any areas where they may require assistance.
6. Observe the noise level in the classroom. How is this managed?

I have observed that in the class advisory of my CT the learners are well behaved however
whenever they have the tendency to make unnecessary noise the teacher would just tell them to be
quite. In addition to that, I have also observe that the teacher has a ringing bell in her table that she uses
when she doesn’t feel like shouting to keep the students quiet and with just a rang of the bell the
learners will then behave and shut their mouth.

7. If a learner is not following instruction or is off-task, what does the Resource Teacher do?
Describe the behaviour strategies used.

If a learner is not following instruction the teacher would redirect or remind the students again
of the correct course of action. She usually restate the instructions clearly, simplify them as needed, and
offer practical examples to ensure a better understanding of what is expected.

8. What does the Resource Teacher do to reinforce positive behaviour? (Behaviour Strategies)

Employing behavior strategies such as positive reinforcement, which involves providing praise,
rewards, or incentives for desired behaviors is how a resource teacher can do to reinforce positive
behaviour. Resource teachers may also use individualized behavior plans tailored to each student's
specific needs, focusing on positive goals and tracking progress. Additionally, they can also collaborate
closely with classroom teachers, parents, and support staff to ensure consistent and coordinated
reinforcement of positive behavior across various settings, creating a supportive and inclusive learning
environment for students.

REFLECT

Why do you need to enforce positive discipline?

Enforcing positive discipline is essential for several reasons as it helps create a safe and
respectful learning environment where students can thrive academically and socially. In addition,
positive discipline teaches students valuable life skills such as self-control, conflict resolution, and
responsibility, which are crucial for their personal and academic development. Lastly, it fosters a sense
of fairness and consistency in the classroom, ensuring that all students are treated equitably and have a
clear understanding of behavioral expectations.

5.2 identifying the Different Aspects of Classroom Management

 CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT MATRIX

Observe a class and accomplish the given matrix.

Aspects of Classroom Description Effect on the Learners

Management
(to be filled out after you answer the
analysis questions)

Designated spaces or Specific areas in the classroom can

zones designed for enhance learners’ focus and engagement
1. Specific Areas in the
learning activities or by providing dedicated spaces for
Classroom
functions to enhance different activities, optimizing the
organization and learning environment. In addition, they
facilitate focused also help student understand and follow
learning. classroom expectations and help routines
more easily, leading to improved
organization and participation.

Clear and concise Classroom rules provide clear behavioral

guidelines that outline expectations, fostering a respectful and
2. Classroom Rules
expected behaviors and safe learning environment that allows
conduct to maintain a students to focus on their studies. In
respectful, safe, and addition, they also promote consistency
productive learning and structure, helping learners
environment. understand boundaries and create a
conducive atmosphere for learning.

Systematic and Classroom procedures streamline daily

established routines that activities and transitions, reducing
3. Classroom Procedures
outline step-by-step disruptions and anxiety for learners by
processes for various providing predictability and efficiency in
tasks and activities their routine. In addition, they also
within the classroom to promote independence and
ensure smooth and responsibility, helping students develop
efficient operations. valuable life skills.

Routines that are Classroom daily routines provide

structured schedules structure and consistency, helping
4. Daily Routines
and activities that occur learners feel secure and confident in their
consistently each day, environment, while also promoting time
providing predictable management and self-regulation skills. In
 organized learning addition, this also creates a sense of
environment for order and expectation, which can
students. enhance students’ focus and overall
learning experience.

The predetermined Classroom seating arrangement can

layout and placement of impact learners by influencing their level
5. Seating Arrangement
seat to optimize of management, interaction with peers,
classroom management, and ability to see and hear the teacher,
engagement, and making it an important factor in
interaction among optimizing the learning environment. In
students. addition, it can also effect the dynamics
of classroom discussion and collaboration
among students, either fostering or
hindering effective learning experience.

Implementation of If done effective it will set a clear

strategies and expectation for appropriate conduct and
6. Handling misbehaviour/ off-
interventions to address maintains a positive learning atmosphere,
task behaviour
and redirect disruptive allowing learners to focus on their
or non-engaged student studies. In addition, it also teaches the
conduct in a fair and learners valuable life skills like conflict
constructive manner resolution and self-regulation.
that promotes a positive
learning environment.

The deliberate use of Reinforcement of Positive Behaviour in

rewards, recognition, or the classroom motivates learners, boosts
7. Reinforcement of Positive
praise to encourage and their self-esteem, and encourages them
Behaviour
strengthen desirable to consistently exhibit desired behaviors,
student actions, creating a more productive and
fostering a conducive harmonious learning environment. In
and motivating learning addition, it also helps reinforce a culture
atmosphere. of respect, responsibility, and
cooperation among students, promoting
a sense of belonging and well-being.

ANALYZE

1. How did the classroom organization and routines affect the learner's behaviour?
 Classroom organization and routines have a significant impact on learners’ behavior. When a
classroom is well-organized with clear designates spaces for activities, it helps student sunderstand and
follow expectation, reducing confusion and anxiety, Additionally, structure daily routines provide
predictability and stability, which can lead to increased engagement and a sense of security among
leaners. Overall, effective classroom organization and routines promote a positive learning environment
and facilitate better behaviour and participation.

2. What should the teacher have in mind when she/he designs the classroom organizations and
routines? What theories and principles should you have in mind?

When designing a classroom organization and routines, teachers should consider principles from
educational psychology, such as the importance of clear expectations based on behaviorist theories,
ensuring that the physical environment and seating arrangement align with pedagogical goals, and
incorporating principles of constructivism by fostering student agency and engagement. Additionally,
recognizing the diverse needs of learners, both academically and emotionally, and accommodating
these differences through flexible structures and differentiated instruction is crucial. Finally, it’s essential
to regularly assess and adapt the classroom organization and routines based on ongoing student
feedback and evolving educational research.

3. Which behaviour strategies were effective in managing the behaviour of the learners? Is motivating
students? Why were they effective?

In my opinion one of most effective behavior strategies and for managing and motivating
students really is positive reinforcement, such as praise and rewards, as they provide immediate
feedback and encouragement for desire behaviors. Additionally, setting clear expectations and
consistently enforcing classroom rules helps establish a structured environment, reducing disruptive
behavior. Lastly, fostering a supportive and respectful teacher-student relationship can be highly
effective in motivating students, as it creates a sense of trust and belonging, making them more
receptive to instruction and guidance.

REFLECT

1. Imagine yourself organizing your classroom in the future. In what grade year level do you see
yourself? What routines and procedures would you consider for this level? Why?

In the near future if I were to be given a chance, with the observation I had now I would prefer
to teach in the 5th grade. I see myself teaching at this grade level for such a reason that I have seen how
they can be easily disciplined but at the same time they still have a sense of independence. I would
consider establishing a structured environment through reducing disruptive behavior by positive
reinforcement. I will try my best to become at my most patient and understanding behaviour towards
my learners. I would also consider the things I have observed in my field like establishing rules that the
classroom must be clean and always organized, and also by creating specific areas in the classroom
where my students can organize their things and the things used in the classroom. Other than that
classroom rules and routines will also be established like before class a prayer is a must and learners’
utmost behaviour. This is due to the fact that by establishing these rules and routines it will pave the
way for me and my learners to create an atmosphere conducive for learning.
2. Make a list of the rules you are likely to implement at this level. Why would you choose these
rules?

1. Be Respectful: Treat classmates and the teacher with kindness and respect, valuing diverse
perspectives and opinions.
2. Listen Actively: Pay attention when others are speaking and wait your turn to speak.
3. Follow Directions: Follow instructions promptly and accurately.
4. Stay on Task: Engage in classroom activities and assignments; avoid distractions.
5. Raise Your Hand: Raise your hand to ask questions or share comments during class discussions.
6. Keep Hands and Feet to Yourself: Respect personal space and physical boundaries.
7. Complete Homework: Complete and turn in assignments on time.
8. Use Appropriate Language: Speak respectfully and use appropriate language at all times.
9. Be Prepared: Bring necessary materials, like books and supplies, to class.
10. Clean Up After Yourself: Keep the classroom and your workspace tidy and organized.

These are the rules I have chosen to create a positive and respectful classroom atmosphere where
students can focus on learning. In addition, these set of rules also promote good behavior, cooperation,
and responsibility while also ensuring a safe and orderly environment for all learners.

3. Should learners be involved in making the class rules? Why?

Involving learners in the process of making class rules can be highly beneficial for several
reasons. First, it promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility among students. When they have a
say in shaping the rules, they are more likely to understand and commit to following them. Second, it
encourages active participation and engagement in the classroom. Students who are part of the rule-
making process are more likely to respect and adhere to the rules they've helped create. Lastly,
involving students in rule-making provides an opportunity to teach democratic principles and conflict
resolution skills. It allows students to discuss their expectations, negotiate differences, and come to a
consensus, which are valuable life skills they can carry beyond the classroom.

Show your Learning Artifacts

Paste pieces of evidence of classroom rules that work in class. You may also put pictures of the physical
space and learning stations which contribute to the effective implementation of classroom
management.