EDUC 350 Field Notes- Classroom Climate and Culture

What is the teacher doing, saying, modeling, having kids do?

Explain how this helps to create classroom climate and

culture?

Ms. Phalen is modeling the essay writing process by

breaking down the steps and completing them with her
students

This is helpful because teaching new skills is

hard for students to grasp through lecture alone.
Following along with the students makes the
instruction more interactive and inclusive.
Doing this sets the mood for the day by creating
an inclusive and friendly environment.
Promoting inclusion at the threshold is a good
way to promote a positive classroom
environment.
Doing this supports 100% and no opt out
strategies. Students anticipate that they may be
called upon at any time so it encourages them to
stay focused.
Repetition in my instruction helps relay the
information to all students in an implicit manner
which keeps the classroom environment nonaccusatory.
Modeling appropriate behavior is a god way to
teach respect and facilitates a respectful
classroom environment. The teacher should
model the behavior she expects from her
students.
Encouraging collaboration is a great skill to
foster for 21st century skills development. It also
teaches social collaboration and facilitates a
collaborative classroom culture.

When the students walk in the door Ms. Phalen

greets each student with a sincere greeting and
brief comment.

Ms. Phalen cold calls on students to either read

sections of texts or answer questions.

Ms. Phalen repeats herself a lot. If explaining a

new or complex concept she will break down the
concept and repeat herself.
Ms. Phalen remains a positive emotional
constancy. Even when students test or disrespect
her she remains respectful.

Ms. Phalen uses group work as her main means of

instruction. The students are working
collaboratively every day to complete
assignments or discuss concepts.
1.) How do you know students are getting it? Explain.

Using a combination of summative and formative assessments works to gather an

understanding of whether or not my students are getting it. Asking clarifying questions,
observing progress and reviewing assessments are ways to track student progress. I could
also hold brief check-ins with students to directly ask them about their understanding.
2.) Do you notice anything on the walls to aide in teaching expectations, etc? Explain.

Ms. Phalens walls are covered in material. She has a large poster of the 6 Ps, a
poster of the standards, she posts the units essential questions. She has
current events, of the area being studied as well as relevant maps. She has a