Classroom environment matters

A classrooms environment and feel plays a role in students performance, achievement, motivation and self confidence. When students start a new school year they have a class of new/ old classmates, students will have to learn the new rules, and expectations too. The classmates, teacher and school will all have work together to create an environment where students have a bond to their friends, class and school. The social bonds the students make are are motivated to learn, and are performing at their highest. Newman (1992) identified clarity of purpose, fairness, personal teacher support, and successful experiences are four key aspects that teachers must model and support in order for a community to be formed in the class ( Motivation for Achievement; Alderman, Kay).

Clarity of purpose-
Students need to be aware of the purpose for the expectations in the class. Explain the opposite to students; what if there was no purpose and random rules where just made up because..... From personal experience I notice students take more responsibility for their learning and behavior when they understand the purpose.

Fairness-
It is important that teachers are fair at ll times, all students must have equal access. If there is a sense if unfairness felt students will fell left out and unequal to the other members in their class.

Teacher support-
Personal teacher support is essential, without support the student will lack motivation and not perform as well. Support is needed for students when they are having a difficult time, as well as someone to believe in them. The classroom needs someone to implement the "tone' for a social and positive class.

Successful Experiences-
Successful experiences in my opinion are very powerful to students. Students need to experience achievement and success often. The feeling of achievement reassures students of their capabilities, self efficacy and motivates the for more challenging tasks. If students do not experience achievement they lack the understanding about the purpose of working hard and effort.

When a community is established in the class students will feel equal, not intimidated or embarrassed about their mistakes, and are motivated about their learning. In order for a teacher and school to maintain a positive, safe community teachers must monitor groupings and make sure groups are fluid and diverse so students have a chance to work with everyone's abilities. When students create rules and consequences they feel more in charge and that they have a voice. Teachers need to provide students many opportunities where they have the freedom and competence to make choices. Without a positive social context in the class safe, healthy, and equal relationships will be lacking. The "feel" in a classroom is a good predictor whether or not their is a sense of community and motivation. Rafe (discussion/ week 5 Teach Like Your Hair is on Fire) is a teacher who models great strategies that promote a positive social complex in the class. Rafe is on YOU TUBE, which I recommend all teachers to view.

Goal Setting

Goal setting is what pushes people to be better and increases ones motivation as well. It's easy for us to say we have a goal, but in order to accomplish a goal one really needs to think about their goal and plan out the steps for achievement. As a teacher it is my goal for students to be reading at or above their grade level by the end of the year. In order for my students to accomplish the goal, they must be aware and participate in the goal. When setting a goal one must know how to set a goal that is purposeful and attainable in order to achieve. Strategy 4.2 in Motivation for Achievement (Alderman, Kay. Pg. 122) provides a model that teaches young children how to set a goal through drawing, story telling and thinking. Concrete examples need to be modeled to students in order for them understand how set an appropriate goal.
Students need to be aware of the work, efforts and time involved in order for them to achieve their goal. If students are not aware of the work involved in working towards a goal they may easily become discouraged. It is important for teachers to provide work, task, and instruction that is just above the child's learning potential and not too hard. Teachers and students must meet and discuss the progress of the students goal on a weekly basis. Teachers need to provide feedback that is meaningful, purposeful and not harmful. For goals to be effective, individuals need to know where they are in relation to their goal (Motivation for Achievement, page 118). Feedback will help students with self correcting and keep track of their progress. As students see their progress they will motivated to do more and take on more.
Goal setting involves a process, the process is ongoing and takes thought. In order for one to achieve their goal they must first learn the steps involved in setting a goal. It is important for teachers to teach students how to set goals that are attainable.