Episode 5 Creating an Appropriate Environment
Resource Teacher: _____________Teacher’s Signature: _____________School: _____
Grade/Year Level: ________________ Subject Area: _________ Date: _______
                  Managing Time, Space and Learning Resources
Observe and use the observation sheet provided for you to document your
observations.
1. As you observe the class, look into the characteristics of the learners. Note their
   ages.
  Age range to 13-15
2. How many boys are there? How many girls?
  15 boys and 25 girls
3. Focus on their behavior. Are they already able to manage their own behavior?
  Most learners demonstrate respect for peers and teacher as well as show enthusiasm
  for learning.
4. Can the learners already work independently?
  Not all learners can work independently. Some of them need guidance in working
  their task.
5. Describe their span of attention
  Average attention span: 15-20 minutes
  Engaging Activities: 25-30 minutes
Analyze and answer these questions on observed classroom management practices. It
is also good to ask the teacher for additional information, so you can validate your
observation. Write you notes below; and then organize your data in the Table that
follows.
1. Are there areas in the classroom for specific purposes (storage of teaching aids,
   books, students’ belongings, supplies, etc.)? Describe these areas. Will it make a
   difference if these areas for specific purposes are not present?
  -   The classroom has designated areas for teaching aids, books, students’
      belongings, and supplies, promoting organization and efficiency. Without these
      areas, the classroom would likely become cluttered and disorganized, leading to
      distractions and decreased productivity.
2. Are there rules and procedures posted in the room? List them down. Do these rules
   reinforce positive behavior?
  -   Posted rules include respect, active listening, kindness, responsibility and
      inclusivity, reinforcing positive behavior and promoting empathy, self-awareness,
      and accountability.
3. Did the students participate in making the classroom rules? If the Resource Teacher
   is available, ask him/her to describe the process. What’s the effect of students’
   participation in rule-making on student’s behavior?
  -   Students contributed to creating classroom rules through collaborative discussion,
      fostering ownership and responsibility. This involvement encourages self-
      regulation, accountability, and improved behavior.
4. What are the daily routines done by the Resource Teacher? (prayer, attendance,
   assignment of monitors, warm-up activities, etc.) How are the done?
  -   The resource teacher conducts morning prayers, attendance checks, assign
      monitors, and leads warm-up activities, establishing structure, promoting
      teamwork, and preparing learners for focused instruction.
5. Is there a seating arrangement? What is the basis of this arrangement? Does this
   help in managing the class?
  -   The mixed-ability grouping seating arrangement encourages collaboration,
      reduces distractions, and facilities differentiated instruction, supporting effective
      classroom management.
6. Observe the noise level in the classroom. How is this managed?
  -   The resource teacher uses non-verbal cues, verbal reminders, and visual timers to
      manage noise levels, maintaining a focused environment.
7. If a learner is not following instruction or is off-task, what does the Resource Teacher
   do? Describe the behavior strategies used.
  -   The resource teacher employs redirection, positive reinforcement, and one-on-
      one support to address off-task behavior, promoting self-regulation and focusing
      learners.
8. What does the Resource Teacher do to reinforce positive behaviors?
  -   The resource teacher uses verbal praise, badges, and special privileges to
      reinforce positive behaviors, encouraging student autonomy, self-awareness and
      motivation.
                       CLASSSROOM MANAGEMENT MATRIX
Observe a class and accomplish the given matrix.
 Aspects of Classroom              Description         Effect on the Learners
     Management                                        (to be filled out after you
                                                      answer analysis questions)
1. Specific Areas in the        organized spaces            reduces clutter
Classroom
2. Classroom Rules               promote positive            encourage
                                    behavior               responsibility
3. Classroom Procedures         fosters ownership        improves behavior
4. Daily Routines               establish structure   promote teamwork and
                                                         prepare learners
5. Seating Arrangement       mixed-ability grouping         encourages
                                                           collaboration
6. Handling                   minimizes disruptions       maintain focus
misbehavior/off task
behavior
7. Reinforcement of            refocuses learners           promote self-
Positive                                                     regulation
Behavior
8. Others
9. Others
10. Others
ANALYZE
1. How did the classroom organization and routines affect the learners’ behavior?
   - The classroom organization and routines had a profound impact on learners’
     behavior, promoting engagement, respect, and responsibility. A well-structured
     environment encouraged active participation, reduced distractions, and fostered a
     sense of community.
2. What should the teacher have in mind when she/he designs the classroom
   organization and routines? What theories and principles should you have in mind?
   - When designing the classroom organizations routines, teachers should consider
      various theories and principles, including Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Vygotsky’s
      Social Learning Theory, and Classroom Management theories. Additionally,
      principles of inclusivity, respect, empathy, and differentiation should guide
      decision-making.
3. Which behavior strategies were effective in managing the behavior of the learner? In
   motivating students? Why were they effective?
   - Effective behavior strategies included positive reinforcement, clear expectations,
     active listening, redirection, and encouraging student autonomy. These strategies
     motivated students by fostering a sense of control, belonging, and self-worth,
     leading to improved behavior and academic performance.
REFLECT
1. Imagine yourself organizing your classroom in the future. In what grade year level do
   you see yourself? What routines and procedures would you consider for this level?
   Why?
   - In my future classroom, I envision teaching grade 9 students. To establish a
      positive learning environment, I will implement routines such as morning
      meetings, transitions with visual timers, collaborative group work, regular breaks,
      and reflective journaling. These routines promote structure, socialization, and
      self-regulation, essential for this age group.
2. Make a list of the rules you are likely to implement in this level. Why would you
   choose these rules?
   - My class rules will focus on respect, active listening, kindness, responsibility, and
      inclusivity. I choose these rules because they foster empathy, responsibility and
      inclusivity, essential values for students to develop. By establishing clear
      expectations, I aim to promote a positive and supportive classroom culture.
3. Should learners be involved in making the class rules? Why?
   - Learner participation in making class rules is crucial. By involving students in the
      process, I encourage ownership, responsibility and critical thinking. This approach
      promotes student voice and agency, leading to improved behavior and academic
      engagement.
4. Why do you need to enforce positive discipline?
  -   Positive discipline is essential in my classroom. By fostering a growth mindset,
      encouraging self-reflection and self-regulation, and promoting respect, empathy
      and inclusivity. I create a safe and supportive learning environment. This
      approach helps students develop self-awareness, self-regulation and social skills,
      leading to improved behavior and academic performance.