Teaching Environment

1. Teaching Environment CURS4160 Curriculum Studies - Maths David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682 19th October, 2004 David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

2. Teaching Environment • This project will examine a specific Grade 8 classroom and school environment according to • physical environment considerations • resource availability considerations • other considerations which might be pertinent David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

3. Physical Environment David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

4. Physical Environment • Classroom size • classroom is large enough to accommodate class comfortably, and allow for different desk layouts • desks are sufficient for number of students (currently twenty-nine) • more desks are available if class size increases • Classroom layout • classroom was originally laid out as indicated in the following slide • teacher reconfigures class layout as required David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

5. Classroom Layout David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

6. Classroom Layout David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

7. Physical Environment • Proximity of students • students currently too close to each other, and some talkative groups have formed • teacher has reconfigured desk layout once, and will do so again shortly • Physical space - board space • more space would be useful, but is not essential • Physical space - wall space for work • back wall is available for student honour work • other wall space is available for other class work David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

8. Physical Environment • Lighting, windows • classroom is well lit – there are two large windows alone one wall • Sound (internal and external) • normal sound levels are comfortable, except during corridor movement (noise level increases during group-work, as expected) • Ventilation, fans, air conditioning • no A/C, but two fans, and one window opens • ventilation is good with window open and fans on David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

9. Physical Environment • Temperature • comfortable when regulated by fans and window • Entry/exit procedures • class enters/exits through shared stairwell and door near classroom (also fire exit) • entry and exit normally orderly, supervised by teachers • Cafeteria or lunch room • no cafeteria / lunch room – students eat in classroom or schoolyard David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

10. Physical Environment • Waste disposal and recycling • each classroom has waste bin and blue box (mixed) • Security, cameras, metal detectors • hall and yard security provided by teachers • no cameras or metal detectors currently in school • Location of school • school is located in a growing subdivision, NE of Taunton and Wilson Roads in Oshawa • there is residential housing S and W of school, and agricultural N and E of school David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

11. Availability of Resources David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

12. Availability of Resources • Computers and Internet access • classroom has four networked computers and a laser printer, with internet access for all computers • equipment is for use by other students as needed • additional computers and printers are available in the library and in some other classrooms • Overhead projectors and other multimedia • several OH projectors and a data projector are available within school, requested as needed • more overhead projectors are currently on order David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

13. Availability of Resources • PA/intercom/phone • each classroom is equipped with an intercom system for communication with office • Science and laboratory equipment • science classrooms have equipment as required for teaching science curriculum expectations • Textbooks, handouts • some texts are kept on shelves in classroom, others are kept in adjacent storage room • handouts are produced by teacher as required David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

14. Availability of Resources Consumable supplies • students provide paper, binders, pens, markers, geometry instruments, and daily planner (purchased from the school) • the school provides most other consumables, including construction and drawing paper, coloured pencils for the lower grades, and (ostensibly) all teachers’ supplies • students are encouraged to bring in contributions from home, such as tissues, paper towels and soap – students are rewarded for this David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

15. Additional Considerations David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

16. Additional Considerations • Individual Education Plans (IEPs) • six students in the class have IEPs, and require accommodations on assignments and assessments • Behavioural problems • several other students have behavioural problems, which must be dealt with on daily basis • Family and other social difficulties • several students have family difficulties, which affect their performance • students experience typical social difficulties according to their level of maturity and development David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

17. Additional Considerations • Timetabling, order of subjects • this is apparently not an issue in this school • Rotation of subjects • only Science and Geography rotated between two Grade 8 classes, one teacher for each • leaves students in same classroom for most of week, in more familiar environment with teacher they know better • Policies (eg. visit locker, dress code, etc.) • affect all students equally – not significant issue David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

18. Additional Considerations • Administrative duties load • some administrative duties difficult for teachers, taking away from prep time • time also taken with assemblies, masses, etc. • Support of school administration • school seems to be close community (Catholic), with strong administrative support • principal new to school this year, so not yet clear • Extracurricular activities – compulsory? • these are on a voluntary basis only David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

19. Conclusion David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682

20. Conclusion • classroom and school environment are of considerable significance to teaching • variable factors in either can augment or degrade quality of the teaching and learning experience • teachers must consider these factors carefully as they plan their teaching strategies and practice • many environmental factors are variable, and can be modified if the teacher is aware David Keffer UOIT Student #100257682