EP101 Unit 5: The Classroom Culture Please have your book nearby. Feel free to chat with each other. We will start class at 8PM ET!

Classroom Culture Definition: “atmosphere or mood in which you and the students interact…composite of attitudes, emotions, values, and relationships” (Burden, p. 22)Definition: “atmosphere or mood in which you and the students interact…composite of attitudes, emotions, values, and relationships” (Burden, p. 22) –Rules of conduct? –Expectations? –Roles of students and teachers? Comparison to sociological cultureComparison to sociological culture –What other areas of life involve following a set of rules or expectations?

Setting the Rules Focus on positive behavior (what you should do versus what you should not)Focus on positive behavior (what you should do versus what you should not) Allow students to help create class rules/expectations so they have ownershipAllow students to help create class rules/expectations so they have ownership Make sure rules for behaviors are observable, reinforce positive behaviors, and intervene for disruptive behaviors.Make sure rules for behaviors are observable, reinforce positive behaviors, and intervene for disruptive behaviors. Role play, be consistent, and be age-appropriate!Role play, be consistent, and be age-appropriate! (Burden, p )

Using your child development background ModelingModeling Social-learning Theory: “emphasizes the importance of role models and significant adults in children’s lives” (Puckett & Black, p. 15)Social-learning Theory: “emphasizes the importance of role models and significant adults in children’s lives” (Puckett & Black, p. 15) Respect for studentsRespect for students CommunicationCommunication All of these can be key to establishing a positive classroom climate.

A warm, inviting classroom… Uses verbal and nonverbal instructional approachesUses verbal and nonverbal instructional approaches Students are willing to take risksStudents are willing to take risks The teacher enjoys and respects the studentsThe teacher enjoys and respects the students The teacher is fair and consistentThe teacher is fair and consistent Dialogue is encouragedDialogue is encouraged

Academic Risk-taking What does this mean?What does this mean? Why is this important?Why is this important? –Learning involves risks –Students challenge themselves –Think more deeply than just finding the “right” answer –Willing to hold own work up to critique What contributes to risk-taking?What contributes to risk-taking?

Culture inside and outside of the classroom Culture = the values, norms, and artifacts of a community ( = the values, norms, and artifacts of a community ( What students bring IN affects classroom cultureWhat students bring IN affects classroom culture –Ethnicity, race, religion, SES, education level What students take OUT affects other aspects of their livesWhat students take OUT affects other aspects of their lives –Family, work, extracurricular activities

Weekly Reminders Complete readingsComplete readings View Web ResourcesView Web Resources Participate in Discussion Board (DB)Participate in Discussion Board (DB) –Post “essay-like” responses to the discussion question (DQ) –Respond to your classmates’ posts on each DQ with thoughtful, reflective responses Attend Seminar OR complete Seminar Option 2Attend Seminar OR complete Seminar Option 2 Look over Final Project in Unit 9!Look over Final Project in Unit 9!

EP101 Final Project Create an Educational Philosophy that reflects your own beliefs and values about teaching and learning and that incorporates what you have learned in the courseCreate an Educational Philosophy that reflects your own beliefs and values about teaching and learning and that incorporates what you have learned in the course Your Final Project will consist off three parts: an introduction, the body and a conclusionYour Final Project will consist off three parts: an introduction, the body and a conclusion You will include your background and why you are interested in the field off education as well as the role of the paraprofessional in your introductionYou will include your background and why you are interested in the field off education as well as the role of the paraprofessional in your introduction The body of your Educational Philosophy will include the knowledge and skills you’ve gained in the courseThe body of your Educational Philosophy will include the knowledge and skills you’ve gained in the course Your conclusion will summarize your commitment to the field and end on a positive note!Your conclusion will summarize your commitment to the field and end on a positive note! Review the Final Project rubric located in your syllabus to be sure you are clear on the expectations.Review the Final Project rubric located in your syllabus to be sure you are clear on the expectations.

References Burden, P. (2004) An Educator’s Guide to Classroom Management. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. Black, J.K., & Puckett, M.P., (2005). The young child: Development from prebirth through age eight. Fourth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.