The domain I chose is Domain 2; The Classroom Environment. Classroom environment is very dear to my heart because this is where the trust is instilled into students in my classroom. As stated in some of my other post, if my students trust me and their having fun in my classroom they are willing to learn new and different things. If your classroom environment is structured correctly, students will feel safe and step outside their comfort zone and will be open to learn and will not want to disappoint.
Which component from this domain are you most comfortable with?
I'm most comfortable will establishing a culture for learning. I only have one rule in my classroom "treat others as you would want to be treated" and this is not just for other students. I have 5 para-educators in my classroom and the expectation of respect is high. This rule is ruled with an iron fist and my students understand if this rule is broken, consequences will follow. When teaching students with disabilities, the understanding of accountability, respect, ans self-motivation has to be established early and over emphasized.
Which component from this domain do you believe most strongly ties to instruction?
Which component from this domain do you believe most strongly ties to instruction?
The component which ties to instructions would be creating an environment of respect. I believe students have to have a complete and clear understanding of all expectations, not just in the classroom but in all areas of the school. Once students understand the teachers expectations, this is where the educational process can become a fun learning environment.
Which component from this domain would you like to zero in on in your own instruction?
Which component from this domain would you like to zero in on in your own instruction?
The component I want to zero in on would be classroom management. Not because I have a lot of behavior issues in my classroom but because I do not do a lot of small group instruction due to the different learning styles of my students. In most cases, I have to provide individual instruction to my students because they are all at different learning levels. I'm very fortunate to have assists so once I have provide instruction, they can continue to assist if need be.
How the domains look in my classroom
How the domains look in my classroom
Respect. In my classroom my students have excellent respect for each other and other teachers within the school. They know my expectations and it doesn't matter if it's in my classroom or in a general education classroom. Do your best and if you do not understand something, ask. In most cases, they ask before they even trying but to me thats a great improvement because in the past they wouldn't ask, they would sit there until someone came to them and ask if they was okay or understood what is asked from them.
Expectation. My students understand what I expect from them, it's simple. Do your best and if you don't know, ask. I may be naive in thinking this way but with Special education students, they have to know and understand how to ask for help. After high school, what are they going to do at work if they don't understand something, just stand there until someone comes by to help. No, thats not how society works and they need to understand what it takes to be successful outside of the school environment.
On-Task. My school is on block schedule, which means we have 4 classes per day for one hour and half. I'm in a unique situation because I only have my class as a whole for only one block per day. During the block I have my students, we go out in the community twice a week and work on community skills needed for success after high school. During the other blocks, I could have 2 to 3 students at a time and this is when I work on instructions goals which deal with their IEP (individual education plan). Needdless to say, on task is not an issue because my students get a lot of individual attention throughout the school day.
Classroom management. As I stated above, being on a block schedule benefits me greatly. Due to not having all my students together all day allows me to have a lot individual time with my students. All my students are mainstreamed into regular educational classes. With the help of my para educators we are able to provide individual instruction throughout the school day. All my students enjoy being in the regular educational environment but they also know if they are disruptive they will be in my classroom during that time. Behavior thus has been a non-issue.
Classroom environment. I believe my classroom is set up to be a good learning environment. My desk is current in the back corner overlooking the entire classroom. I have nine desk in the center of the room facing the dry erase board for instruction. On each side of the students desk, I have tables for small group instruction. I the back corner of the room I have a rehabilitation mat to stretch out my students which Are in wheelchairs. In another corner I have a book shelve with 3 bag beans for students can do some independent reading. Lastly, I have an entertainment area where I have a dvd player and Wii. The Wii has been an added bonus for my multi-handicap students. It has been excellent for hand-eye coordination and functional motor skills.
My question:
At the high school level, what can I do to continue to motivate and build self-confidence no matter of educational abilities?
Hello Leman!
ReplyDeleteIt is clear that respect is important in your classroom. You demonstrate respect for your students in the way that you have structured your learning environment. This is so important in modeling to other students what a positive interaction can look like.
I think that maybe you have answered your own question about building self-confidence...first, respect your students and teach them to respect each other. Secondly, you mentioned that accountability and self-motivation are crucial. As students begin to set and meet goals with encouragement from you and other students and teachers, they can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. I bet your classroom is a safe haven for these kids.
I would say that one way to build confidence and motivation would be to give them responsibilities. I can only give you my perspective from an elementary level, but hopefully they translate easily enough for all kids. On the elementary level, this could involve an older student helping a younger student as a "reading buddy," or helping another student to begin their daily routine who needs some extra support with unpacking or getting started on morning work. Or they could have a particular "job" in the classroom. I always make sure to say to the student, "I NEED you to be IN CHARGE OF _____." This makes them feel as if they are important, and also gives them a sense of power knowing that they are the ones who are in control of the task at hand. No matter how minute the task, if they feel they are helping someone out or using their talents and skills to the fullest, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance. At least this is what I have experienced!
ReplyDeleteIn response to your question, I think that success is the way to continue to motivate students regardless of their educational abilities. Give them tasks that you know they can complete, baby steps if necessary. But set them up for success and I believe that confidence is a motivator. Once they are sure that they will not fail, they will continue to try harder.
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