0079: Music, EMC: Video Analysis

Video case #0079: Music, EMC is an example of a teacher creating a highly effective classroom environment. In this video, the teacher displays elements which align with my position of a highly effective classroom environment. She creates a safe, supportive, and active learning environment, with clearly established high expectations. She also uses technology and manipulatives to create a meaningful learning experience which engages each student. I believe that the learning climate is the most important element of a highly effective classroom environment. Teachers create an effective learning climate in a classroom by providing a safe and supportive environment where students are active participants, as well as establishing clearly defined expectations and routines which provide comfort, order, and appropriate student behavior.
The evidence in video case #0079 supports my position on the effectiveness of learning climate in the classroom environment.
The teacher in this video has created a safe environment. She has arranged the seats on the perimeter of the classroom leaving the center of the room wide open for group activities. This seating arrangement allows her to teach and monitor students without having to turn her back to any of the students. The large activity center is free of obstacles, and also allows the teacher to direct the activity while still monitoring the students who remain seated.
Her support structure is evident in this video in several ways. Her lesson incorporates elements and activities for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners to be actively engaged. She incorporates a question and answer element in her lecture to engage auditory learners, she uses an overhead projector and smart board to engage visual learners, and she uses an activity involving carpet square and instruments to engage the kinesthetic learners. Her demeanor is also supportive; she verbal praises students for their effort, positively corrects mistakes and then encourages the student to try again. The students respond positively to her, and they each want to be included when she asks questions or requests assistance. Although video case #0079 does not show the teacher establishing her expectations and routines, they are evident in the observed learning climate.
The teacher in this video has complete control of her classroom. She clearly expects the students to act when asked, and she cues them with verbal directions and nonverbal hand motions. She does not have to repeat herself, nor do any students seem confused of defiant. An excellent example of this is when she directs the students to pick up their hand chimes, play them, and then stop. I have had experience with this age group of students, and understand how difficult it can be for this age of students to not become distracted by an instrument and impulsively play it. However, the students in video case #0079 show restraint and proper behavior when they are instructed to stop playing. Her expectations and routines have created a learning climate where the students are at ease and engaged, display respect for the structure of her classroom, and display appropriate
behavior.