Reflection
In the classroom tour video, we received a deep look into how this teacher organized her classroom. She explains how the goal of student independence goes into each part of her classroom set up. Immediately I was struck by how warm and welcoming the classroom appeared. It was clear she really thought through how to create the healthiest environment for her students.
The graphic contrasts two different approaches to classroom management: a traditional, control-based model and a more student-centered, community-based model. One side shows examples of punishments, strict rules and the overall goal being control of students. The other side of the graphic shows a focus on respect, working WITH students, and collaboration and care. This reflects Kohn’s broader argument that education should prioritize relationships and intrinsic motivation over external control.Looking at both the classroom tour and Alfie Kohn’s graphic, It makes me so glad to see the shift away from the types of learning environments I experienced when I was in elementary and middle school. I can see a clear contrast between what things were like then and how they are now. The classroom tour showcases a student-centered approach, where organization, flexibility, and independence are built into the space so students can manage their own learning and feel supported. Similarly, Kohn’s graphic argues for classrooms based on collaboration and understanding rather than control.
In my own experience, however, school felt much more like the “possible reasons to worry” side of the graphic. There was no such thing as a “calming corner” - though I really wish there was! As someone who struggled with attention and test-taking, this made it difficult to keep up. Instead of feeling supported, I often felt like I was falling behind with nobody to go to for help.. Comparing these experiences to the approaches shown in the video and graphic, it seems like classrooms today are moving more toward recognizing different learning needs and creating systems that support students more holistically, rather than expecting everyone to succeed in the same way. I really look forward to creating a classroom that aligns with the goals of having happy and engaged students. I hope that I can create an environment where every student feels like they are capable and come to school excited and ready to learn. I found a great source that shares some classroom setups.
When I was taking AP Psychology in high school, we had a group assignment where we researched classroom setup and the psychological effects, and then we created a pinterest board of what our version of an ideal classroom would look like. I remember the placement of a teacher’s desk really affects how the students view the teacher/the dynamics of the classroom. I was reminded of this when looking at the graphic and seeing the row about the location of the teacher.
Hi Grace, thank you for sharing your own personal connection to the assignment. I appreciate how you highlighted the shift from control based classrooms to more student-centered environments. Its important to understand how a classroom environment can affect students
ReplyDeleteHi Grace! This was such an insightful reflection. I especially appreciated how you compared your own K-12 experience to the student-centered models proposed by Alfie Kohn. It’s a powerful realization to see how much the physical and emotional landscape of a classroom, like adding a calming corner or reconsidering the placement of the teacher's desk can fundamentally change a student's sense of belonging.
ReplyDeleteYour point about AP Psychology and the psychological effects of room arrangement is spot on; it’s amazing how much "hidden curriculum" is in the floor plan! I’m sure your future students will benefit greatly from the intentional, holistic environment you’re planning to build. Thanks for sharing these personal connections!
HI Grace! I loved your blog! The photo you included on the top is such a cute classroom! I hope mine looks like that in the future. I totally agree with you that classrooms are so different than they were growing up. Having a "calming corner" is a new feature I've seen in every classroom, and it would have been so nice to have back then. Even flexible seating in general was not much of a thing when I was in elementary school. The students I see now really love the flexible seating because it gives them an opportunity to move around and focus better on the lesson.
ReplyDelete