Introduction
Every classroom has its own distinctive dynamics that are determined by the individual classroom members. This paper is a report on observations made on classroom dynamics. The observation was part of my practicum; it was done in an elementary classroom that has pupils from various backgrounds in terms of race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and culture.
Classroom environment
The environment of the observed classroom was well arranged; with clear sitting arrangements known to each of the pupils. This arrangement was used during learning sessions. On the walls, there were charts for the various subjects, among them mathematics and science. The pupils sat facing the direction of the chalkboard. The class timetable included lessons and playtime. Play could either be in the classroom or outdoor for physically oriented activities. Plays done in the classroom included functional play, manipulative games, constructive play, dramatic play, manipulative games (Sungur & Güngören, 2009). The classroom was made up of a diverse group of pupils. Diversity was in terms of race and ethnicity, social class, age, gender, and culture.
Classroom environment and its effect on instruction
Classroom environment is considered to be the second teacher...
For the elementary level child, most of the time is spent in the classroom and in this were they are expected to learn the skills they need for their lives. Given the importance of the environment, it is essential that is it manipulated effectively so as to maximize instruction. For the observed classroom, the environment played a key role in improving instruction. For example, charts placed on the walls helped in for example, improving knowledge on parts of the human body. Other parts of the environment included toys, crayons, and tablets.
The role of the environment in successful learning
The environment within the elementary classroom has an essential role in promoting learning. In the case study classroom, this has been done to promote active interaction with the study subject, among the pupils, and between the pupils and the teacher. For example, constructive play with blocks and artistic materials like letter cards help to improve understanding. Blocks are used to construct imagined objects, to count, and to determine shapes of the blocks in mathematics (VanHoorn et al., 2014). The environment has been manipulated in a way as to make use of the various learning methods among them, through visual aid and touch. The physical learning concept brought in…
