Teacher Assessment on Performance Standard 7: Positive Learning Environment TKES Quick Guide

Georgia Department of Education Teacher Keys Effectiveness System

HOW CAN A POSITIVE LEARNING AN EFFECTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: ENVIRONMENT ENHANCE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT? A positive learning environment depends on classroom An effective teacher provides a well-managed, safe, management / structure and a climate for student success. and orderly environment that is conducive to learning • Classroom Management / Structure can be described as: and encourages respect for all. All of these components  Identifying and communicating desirable behavior are part of a positive learning environment consisting of  Consistently applying rules and procedures a classroom management/structure and climate that  Monitoring student behavior support academic achievement.  Taking preventive rather than reactive management actions Classroom management is based on good discipline,  Pacing class activities and transitioning between effective routines, smooth transitions, and ownership of tasks smoothly  the environment. Effective teachers implement good Maximizing instructional time  Keeping students on task classroom management to establish order, engage  Making learning meaningful students, and elicit student cooperation, all for the • Classroom Climate for Student Success includes: purpose of creating an efficient learning environment.  Cooperation among teachers and students Another aspect of classroom  Common interests and values “Academic success for  Pursuit of common goals management is the structure students begins with a  A clear academic focus of the classroom involves trusting and mutually  Well-organized and well-planned lessons physically orienting the respectful relationship  Explicit learning objectives classroom, preparing and between student and  Appropriate instructional pace  Being respectful, supportive, and productive organizing the materials, and teacher, extends to classroom order, and  Modeling by teachers framing lessons in a logical,  Classroom talk practiced by students culminates in a safe and coherent manner. supportive school Teachers who establish classrooms that are caring, climate.” A classroom with quality supportive, safe, challenging, and academically Cornell, D. G. & Mayer, M. J. management and structure (2010). Why do school order and robust help define a positive learning environment. helps a student to feel safe. safety matter? Educational Research, • Physical Arrangement of the Classroom –Functional Vol. 39, No. 1. floor plans with teacher and student work areas and Another aspect of feeling optimal use of furniture and materials. safe comes from a positive classroom climate where risk- • Discipline and Routines – Classroom rules and taking is welcome, engagement is the norm, and procedures are established early in the school year. authentic conversations occur. The classroom climate is • Organization of Learning Activities – Classroom activities are academic with smooth transitions. the shared perceptions of the learners, which can range • Engagement of Students – Effective questioning and from warm and welcoming to cold and indifferent. challenging, but interesting, activities keep students Teachers who make the effort to engage in positive engaged and accountable. interactions with students, who use authentic • Maximizing Instructional Time – Disruptions are at a minimum and the most is made of every instructional conversation to learn about their students, and who minute. establish a classroom based on mutual respect have a • Communication of High Expectations – High tremendous impact on student success. Characteristics expectations are set for all students and support is of a nurturing, healthy learning environment for students provided to achieve the expectations. • Care and Respect – Learning environment reflects a include: (1) psychological safety, (2) a positive self- rapport based on trustworthiness, fairness, caring, image, (3) feelings of belonging, (4) purposeful behavior, respect, and enthusiasm. and (5) a sense of personal competence.