Task Two-
The Learner and the Learning Environment
2A- Understanding
Intellectual/Cognitive
Social, and Emotional
Development
-The teacher’s understanding of the unique characteristics of the learner is evidenced in the design of learning activities which are developmentally appropriate and differentiated to engage all students in the learning process.
This function is seen through one of my weekly reflections after one of the weeks student teaching. I point out my observations with my students characteristics. I note the things I need to incorporate in future lessons to appeal to the students learning styles. I also analyzed activities that are developmentally appropriate for students to socialize and learn.
2B- Creating an Environment
of Respect and Rapport
– The teachers show their respect for students by having high expectations, providing management frameworks that clearly define roles and procedures, using respectful language, communicating interest in students as individuals and encouraging student collaboration
This function is shown through my professors evaluation on one of the lessons she observed me teaching. She stated "The variety of formats in which students participated and demonstrated their current level of understanding (White boards, worksheet, Elmo) promoted student engagement. (The
instructional tools were well-managed; students used them responsibly and stored them as directed.)
You recognized and honored student success in the instructional activities. You asked students to “'raise your hand if you have the same thing as ____'” and followed with “'I saw all of your papers and know that you should all have your hands up.'” Showing that I have high expectations for my students and provided management framework that defined roles and producers. I also Exhibited respectful language, communicating interest in students as individuals and encouraging student collaboration.
2C- Establishing a Culture for
Learning
– The teacher establishes a culture
in the learning environment that is focused on learning and that reflects the
importance of the work undertaken by both students and the teacher
This function is seen through one of my mentor teachers evaluations. Even thought this was my second week in this classroom I was eager to step in and learn. She writes "She is always prepared, seeks opportunities to learn, and takes the initiative with behavior and discipline." This shows that I establish a culture in the learning environment that is focus on learning.
2D- Implementing Classroom
Procedures
– The teacher assures that rules and procedures are in place for a smoothly functioning learning environment evidenced by the efficient use of time and resources
This function is seen through my WVPTA task one pages 7 and 8. I observed the classroom procedures and implemented them as I took over teaching responsibilities. I ensured rules and procedures were in place for a smoothly functioning learning environment. I implemented the resources and procedures into each lesson I taught at this placement.
2E- Managing Student
Behaviors
Managing student behaviors – The teacher collaborates with students to establish norms of behavior for the learning environment that assures a focus on learning
This function is seen in a weekly reflection I wrote. In the end, I reflect on the importance of implementing classroom management to manage student behavior. It shows my ability to collaborate with my mentor and the students to emphasize the classroom rules to manage behaviors.
2F- Organizing the Learning
Environment
– The teacher assures that the
physical or virtual learning environment is safe, and that there is maximum
flexibility in the use of physical space in a physical learning environment.
For this function, my WVTPA task one pages 9-11 describe the classroom factors and how I will be organizing the learning environment to ensure flexibility in using the physical space and that students will be engaged based on the layout. Having students face the front board allows each student to view the board. The teacher desks in the back corners of the room allow the teacher to look over the whole class and make sure students are on staying focused. I used these factors in a positive manner to create the layout of the lessons.
