19/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # Teaching Environment CURS4160 Curriculum Studies - Maths David Keffer UOIT Student # th October, 2004

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

19/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # Physical Environment

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # Classroom Layout

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # Classroom Layout

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

19/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # Availability of Resources

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

19/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # Additional Considerations

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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

19/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # Conclusion

14/10/2004 David Keffer UOIT Student # 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