THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

By: Ms. Audree A. De Castro

A. SCHOOL FACILITIES

The Buildings

The Classrooms

Library

Laboratories

Auditorium

Clinic

Gymnasium

Garden and Grounds

B. THE SCHOOL POPULATION

The Principal

The Teachers

Students

Health Personnel Support Personnel

PTA

C. THE PRODUCTIVE CLASSROOM ATMOSPHERE

1. The Physical Layout 2. The Learning Activities 3. Setting up Learning Centers >Objectives: *It could serve as an area where the materials needed will be organized and arranged neatly. *The needed instructional materials will be prepared in time for the introduction of the unit. *The complete set will be easily available as the lessons are tackled everyday. *In groups, they can practice a process skill that is being developed during the unit. *At the end of the unit, the space could serve as a display area for outstanding products and projects.

CONTINUATION

>What could be found in the center? *Materials brought to class to be studied like living organizations *Tools like scissors, clips, knife, hammer, etc. *Science equipment like a microscope *Display of creative work products *Outstanding assignments *A book or two for instant references

CONTINUATION

>Reminders for proper use: * The objective of the lesson must be clearly understood. Remind them about safety measures. *Arrange the materials neatly and orderly. The center could serve for motivating them, hence it should be attractive. *Choose the materials such that it could stay for several days while the unit is being undertaken. *Detailed observations could be allowed in small groups in order to avoid overcrowding. *The center could be located at the back or at the side of the room. *After the unit, the space must be cleaned well,, ready for the next display. *Let them evaluate the effectiveness of the center as they were studying the lessons. Ask for suggestions for future lessons.

4. The Winning Interactions and Behavior * Identify the individual and group characteristics *Be a keen observer *The students behavior are expressed in how they respond and what they do most often. *The teachers behavior is revised, improved or adjusted from moment to moment. *The parents should have positive interaction with their children to heighten their interest towards learning tasks in school.

D. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE

Reminders for a teacher-manager: 1. The students must be made fully aware of and must understand the set of rules, regulations and procedures that must be followed. 2. The teacher must shoe that she is likewise following school regulations as a sign of respect and social responsibility. 3. Proper guidance and short reminders can develop orderliness, patience and perseverance while they are performing learning activities. 4. Control the volume of sound from loud conversations and careless handling of breakable materials. A lesson needs utmost concentration and understanding.

5. Efficient pacing of the parts of a lesson must be planned and followed to completion in order to avoid unnecessary disruptions and waste of time. 6. Misbehaviors and recurring mistakes must be attended to immediately with calmness and sobriety. Always look for the cause before taking any sanction. 7. Use cues and signals as warning devices as the need arises. 8. Help students learn self-management skills by setting the example.

E. ATTRIBUTES OF EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS

1.

On School Population a. Members work collaboratively towards improving instructions and facilities b. The prescribed curriculum for both elementary and secondary levels is deemed acceptable and workable. c. Schools invites parents and townfolks during school affairs. d. The towns school has a complete teaching and non teaching personnel. e. Parents feel confident about the schools care for children. f. The principal has leadership ability.

g. The school and environs are conducive to learning. h. Support staff members are efficient. i. There is a school publication. j. The school has active PTA k. There is counselling service. l. With a beautiful garden 2. On Teaching Staff a. They are knowledgeable about a number of teaching strategies. b. Teachers performance are evaluated yearly. c. There is congenial atmosphere among teachers.

d. Active in attending seminars and other training programs e. Visible and active throughout the day f. Observed to teach well g. Very cooperative h. Faculty club active 3. On Student Affairs a. Their safety is assured by the school community, starting from the principal to the guards. b. Students form interest clubs c. Active in town celebrations d. Participate in town projects

e. Students achievements are publicly recognized. f. There are scholarship donors. g. Outstanding students represent school in national programs h. School fairs exhibit students work. i. There is a student government. j. Students are well-behaved. k. Less dropouts
4. On Instruction a. Schools achievement is evaluated through national achievement tests. b. Teacher performance is evaluated yearly.

c. Training programs held to improve and update teachers knowledge of subject matter d. Holds in-service training program for new teachers e. Syllabi checked by subject coordinators 5. On Facilities and Materials a. There is a busy library. b. Science laboratory is used everyday. c. With several computers and other audiovisual devices d. There is learning resource center e. Sufficient number of furnitures f. Instructional materials for various learning activities