Learning Environment Session 1

Effective Classroom Teacher Learns about the students (their interests, background knowledge) and their styles of learning Develops a style of teaching that is flexible and adaptable Help students make bridges between what they are learning and real world Uses this information to make decisions about what instruction will look like

Learning Modalities Visual Auditory Kinesthetic Tactile Learning by seeing Auditory Learning by hearing Kinesthetic Learning by doing Tactile Learning by touching

Multiple Intelligences

Verbal/Linguistic These "word smart" people learn best through language including speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Word processing (Word, Appleworks) - writing, rewriting, process writing Brainstorming, listing, review terms, writing definitions, listing ideas Writing a video script Desktop publishing Multimedia presentation

Logical/Mathematical These "number smart" people learn best through numbers, reasoning, and problem solving. Organizational tools (databases, calendars) Calculation tools (spreadsheets) Scientific equipment (probes) Graphing calculators and software Multimedia presentation Videotape Webquests

Visual/Spatial CAD (Computer-Aided Design) These "picture smart" people learn best visually and tend to organize their thinking spatially. They like to think and create pictures. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Animation software Draw and Paint Programs Desktop publishing Multimedia presentation Spreadsheets for charts and graphs Concept mapping tools and diagrams

Bodily/Kinesthetic Keyboarding, mouse, joystick… These "body smart" people learn best through physical activity such as dance, hands-on tasks, constructing models, and any kind of movement. Keyboarding, mouse, joystick… Scientific probes and microscopes Video productions - skits, role playing… Handheld palms and Alphasmarts Lego Logo and Robotics Digital still and video cameras - skits, plays, demonstrations

Musical/Rhythmic These "music smart" people learn best through sounds including listening and making sounds such as songs, rhythms, patterns, and other types of auditory expression. Video and audio recorders - digitize singing, musical instruments Sound and music files Interactive books with audio elements Music generation software

Intrapersonal Computer-based journaling These "self smart" people learn best through metacognitive practices such as getting in touch with their feelings and self motivation. Computer-based journaling Concept maps, idea webs Internet research at their own pace Multimedia portfolios

Interpersonal These "social smart" people learn best through interaction with other people through discussions, cooperative work, or social activities. Word processing - chain writing, group editing, brainstorming Webquests with collaborative elements Group presentations - powerpoint Peer tutoring

Naturalist These "nature" people learn best through the interactions with the environment including outdoor activities, field trips, and involvement with plants and animals. Audio and video cameras, digital cameras - record natural world, field trips Word processing - journaling, natural information Using microscopes and probes Databases and spreadsheets

Existential These "wondering" people learn best through seeing the "big picture" of human existence by asking philosophical questions about the world. E-mail Teleconferencing Interactive communication tools

Existential "Wondering Smart" kids may ponder: Why they are here on Earth... What the world was like before they were born... What life might be like on another planet... Where their pets go after they have passed on... If there really is another dimension... http://www.chariho.k12.ri.us/curriculum/MISmart/exisnjoy.html

How Can Teachers Apply MI Theory? Assess Intelligences informally Plan to use all eight/nine Intelligences Use clear assessment and evaluation criteria Use project work

What is Your Intelligence? You can find out at … http://surfaquarium.com/MI/inventory.htm

What Else Helps Learning Happen!!!

The Five Components of Classroom Management Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport Establishing a Culture for Learning Managing Classroom Procedures Managing Student Behavior Organizing Physical Space

Creating an Environment cultivate a caring classroom climate maintain a positive teacher-student interaction actively involve students –constructivist learning value students as individuals (get to know them) accept with respect each student’s needs and personal growth (Bloom’s Taxonomy, Multiple Intelligences, etc)

Establishing a Culture support positive attitudes toward learning communicate high expectations provide instructional tasks that are interesting, engaging and challenging encourage students to be risk-takers assist students in establishing learning goals

Managing Classroom Procedures demonstrate instructional/non-instructional management skills (seamless transition) arrange students for efficient movement/ involvement in instructional tasks (routines) classroom volunteers and paraprofessionals productively participate

Manage Student Behavior students play a role in establishing rules/procedures monitor and reinforce behavioral expectations reinforce students’ awareness of the rules/procedures demonstrate consistency in consequences

Organize Physical Space provide a safe, secure and supportive learning environment flexible seating arrangement avoid congestion in high traffic areas provide visual and physical accessibility utilize floor , wall space, centers, flip charts, etc.

Web Resources http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.htm -- multiple intelligence http://www.chaminade.org/inspire/learnstl.htm - learning styles http://www.theteachersguide.com/ClassManagement.htm