Domain 2 Writing Piece

Robert Lovering
EDUC-410-900
Professor Fritz
2/1/2020
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When creating and maintaining a positive, organized classroom environment that

facilitates meaningful learning, one must have a plan. Within each component of domain 2 is an

opportunity to build a well structured classroom environment which allows each and every

student to learn at their highest ability. Devising such a plan requires an intimate knowledge of

exactly what each component requires in order to achieve a level of highly proficient. The

following writing piece will analyze each component of domain 2, building a powerful plan for

building and maintaining such an environment.

When considering creating an environment of respect and rapport, an educator must look

within themselves and think “If I was a student in my class, what would make me feel respected

and listened to?”. This level of self reflection and metacognition is evident throughout the

Danielson Framework not just in domain 2. However, it may never be as important as it is when

considering the environment we are building for our students. Anyone being honest with

themselves will know that students crave that feeling of respect and when they feel respected,

most tend to give it back as well. For this reason, the first and foremost way to build an

environment of respect and rapport is to treat all students equally. By treating all students fairly I

am sending the message that all are respected and no one is given any advantages over their

peers.

Secondly, it is important to foster an environment where students respect each other as

well. This has to come from the teacher. I firmly believe that if students observe their teacher

treating everyone fairly, then they too will feel compelled to do so. If this is not the case then

their needs to be a plan of intervention steps set in an effort to correct the unwanted behavior.

This will be discussed later on.

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Building an environment of rapport with students goes beyond simply being cordial to

each of them. Within instruction, there are things an educator must pay attention to in order to

ensure students feel supported. First, when asking questions, I must allow all students the

necessary time to process what is being asked of them. Second, foster a questioning attitude by

supporting all questions and answers and treating them with the respect they deserve. By

supporting students when they ask questions or even when they attempt to answer a given

question, right or wrong, is an excellent way to show respect. Students who attempt to answer a

prompted question, whether correctly or incorrectly should be given praise for trying. Respect, as

we know, is a tricky thing. It can take a long time to earn and a very short amount of time to lose.

For this reason, I must, as an educator, treat every student fairly and support their well being. In

turn, this will result in a great rapport.

When I consider how to establish a culture of learning within the classroom, I think of a

few main points. First, high expectations needs to be placed on all students. High expectations

will mean something different for each and every student. I will work hard to really get to know

my students, know where their limits are and work dutifully to raise those limits throughout the

school year. The best way to achieve this is through the use of high expectations. When we

expect hard work from our students, and let them know there is support if they fall, they feel

more free to take a risk and let us in on what their minds are thinking. This is an ultimate goal.

Students learn from trying things. This is how an educator can foster that.

Additionally, a culture of learning in the classroom comes from a push for students to

constantly rethink things they feel they already know. Similarly to how a writing piece can

always benefit from a reanalysis, so too can a student’s understanding of a concept. For this

reason it is important to reinforce the fact that students should not only be able to demonstrate an
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understanding of the skill taught, but also demonstrate an ability to use that skill outside of the

current day’s lesson. For example, a student who is not only able to model and solve an addition

problem involving fractions, but is also able to explain the necessary steps to another student

who missed the lesson.

Classroom management comes down to routines. Setting and sticking to routines gives

students the structure they often crave. They feel comfortable when they know what is expected

of them and how they are expected to perform. Routines should entail morning procedures such

as unpacking and filling out an agenda, along with handing in notes and homework.

Additionally, transition times between subjects move better when a predictable routine is in place

and stuck to. As an educator, I have stay keenly aware of how even a subtle change to a routine

can cause distress to students.

An effective method for ensuring students understand what is expected of them during

routines, is for educators to model those expectations. This begins on the first day of school, but

should be reinforced periodically. I try hard to model the skills students need to ensure lesson

move along smoothly and efficiently. When it is time to put materials away for instance, I model

the best practice, and then offer help to any students who need it. This enables the students to

feel like they are not guessing at which direction to move next. With the continual usage of

routines day in and day out, students will find themselves completing tasks without even having

to think about it.

Student behavior in the classroom is often times a reflection on the educator. Students

who are left out on a limb and are not given the respect or support they need, typically become

the ones who need behavior modification. For this reason, my plan for managing student

behavior will center around continued modeling of expected behaviors as well expected
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outcomes. I will model for the students not only how they should be acting during classroom

time, but also how they can support each other in promoting correct behavior. More than

anything, I will always be the quintessential example of the expected behavior. Meaning I will

exemplify these behaviors at all times.

When it does come time for a student to be reprimanded for their behavior, I will keep a

strong hold on my understanding of their need for respect. Children act out. It is a part of their

growing and understanding their world. I understand this and take that knowledge into account.

Therefore, conversation surrounding poor behavior will center more on how better choices could

have been made rather than other actions which could negatively impact the student. The main

goal is to help the student understand how their behavior is detrimental to the health of the

classroom as a whole and how they could better support their classroom and classmates.

Within the classroom environment, it is of the utmost importance that educators make

effective use of the physical space they have available to them. Students desks will be arranged

in a manner conducive to group work and peer interaction. Area rugs will have enough space for

all students to have a seat and support their learning. This can include sitting next to a reading

partner for example so students can turn and discuss the topic afoot. Additionally, flexible

seating options are also available to students. This enhances their ability to feel comfortable as

they learn. They are given a freedom to choose their seating and show they are responsible

enough to use it. Finally, technology is available to all students in the form of chromebooks.

These can be used to supplement any lesson while also supplying students with a resource for

any other task they may need to complete.

Each of these items are put in place in a very specific way to ensure students are learning

at the highest capacity possible. Careful consideration is given to exactly where in the classroom
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these items are located based on where and when they are needed. For example, the area rug is

typically located near the front whiteboard to allow flexibility between minilesson and

small/whole group instruction periods.

When taking all this together, it can be seen clearly how the learning and teaching

process are benefitted. By designing a classroom which has designated areas for students to

perform different tasks, such as turn and talk or technology chore, the learning process is

streamlined. This allows students to clearly understand what they are being asked to do. The

teaching process is helped along through the use of consistent routines which eventually help the

learning process as well. Aside from educating students in different disciplines, it is also the job

of an educator to help shape contributing members of society. Routines help them achieve that

goal.

Additionally, students who feel respected within the classroom are more willing to take

risks and refine what they know. This is a critical component of any type of growth. As stated

above, showing respect garners respect. Student behavior is best managed through set routines

and a careful touch. When put together correctly the classroom environment is perfect for

supporting both the learning and teaching process.