Entry 2) Contextual Factors

Entry 3) Teaching Unit

Entry 4) Learning Environment

Entry 5) Evaluations

Entry 6) Logs

Entry #4 : Analysis of Classroom Environment

Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport

When creating a classroom filled with respect, it is crucial to first respect the students as integral to the learning environment and productivity. One way I will encourage respect is by keeping the classroom professional through how I interact with the students. I will memorize all the students names within the first week of class so the student know I care about each of them individually while keeping the class organized. I promoted group and individual motivation through group and individual activities. I also incorporated multiple types of activities to apply to the multiple modalities of the students. Another way I create a respectful environment is through a classroom management plan with clear regulations and syllabus for the students at the beginning of the school year.

Establishing a Culture for Learning to Encourage Student Engagement and Responsibility

I will encourage students to stay engaged and be responsible for their achievements through activities for multiple modalities and different groups of students. Many lessons contain group or class discussion so the lessons and learning is more student-led than teacher-lead. This creates an environment which holds the students responsible for learning and expanding of musical knowledge. I will reinforce the importance of musical learning and achievement by relating music to multiple content areas and integrate assessment throughout the lesson as it progresses instead of only at the end of the lesson.

Managing Classroom Procedures to Promote Student Responsibility

I will manage classroom procedures through consistent organization and structure. For example, there will be any important announcements and information already on the board when the students arrive for class to keep them focused the moment they step into the classroom. Another procedure to promote responsibility will be a section of the room with drop-boxes. These drop-boxes will be for any assignments due, or music to turn in. Each class will have their own set to keep papers organized. I will also reinforce a grading policy stated for the students at the beginning of the school year.

Assignment                                                                                              Percent of Final Grade

Attendance

            Concerts                                                                                                      25%

            Daily Participation                                                                                         40%    

Practice Logs (Due every 2 weeks)                                                                            5%

Voice Tests (Octets or Quartets, every 2 weeks)                                                       10%

Content Quizes (Every Month)                                                                                   5%

Content Final                                                                                                             10%

After Concert Evaluations                                                                                           5%

 Parents may periodically check their student’s progress in class via the choir’s website at:  www. fictionalwebsite.com/choirs

Encouraging Appropriate Student Behavior

I will enocurage appropriate behavior in many ways. First, I will have a choral program handbook with all rules, schedules, and any other procedures pertinent to a well organized classroom. Posted on the wall in the room will be the main classroom rules so the students are always aware of the regulations: For example, the Choir Rehearsal “Dos”:

·    DO have a pencil and your folder ready and waiting with you at your seat before the bell rings

·    DO leave your cell phones off and in your backpack, or they may be confiscated.

·    DO Leave all food, gum and drink in your locker or in the lunchroom.

·    DO bring water so your throat won’t get dry.

·    DO sing with correct posture

·    DO sing with gusto and energy

·    DO have the correct music open and watch the conductor

·    DO stay positive and have a smile on your face

·    DO treat all peers and teachers with respect.

Concert ettiquette will also be reinforced:

Some General Concert Etiquette Rules:

·    When walking on and off of stage your music should be held in your upstage hand.

·    All choirs will bow together after each performance. Correct bows will be practiced by the ensemble the class period before the performance.

·    Remind your guests of the following procedures appropriate for audience members:

1.        Enter the auditorium quietly

2.        Turn all cell phones or other electronic devices off.

3.        No flash cameras allowed during the performance.

4.        If you must arrive late, only enter in between music selections.

5.        Applause should occur when the conductor faces the audience.

There will also be clear policies for consequences when regulations or rules are not followed. For example, the attendance policy will be as follows:

 All students are expected to attend daily rehearsals since the success of the ensemble depends upon the attendance of every member.  However, if the student is absent or tardy the following policy will be used:

·    The teacher must be contacted within 24 hrs. of the absence.

·    In order for the absence to be excused you must contact the teacher and complete the proper make-up procedures as stated by Ms. Weber.

·    More than 3 unexcused absences will result in the lowering of your final grade by 10%.

·    If there are more than 5 unexcused absences, the student, teacher, and parent will meet to discuss the student’s role in the ensemble.

·    3 tardies to class equals on unexcused absence.

·    Students with no absences or tardies at the end of the semester will be awarded an attendance award at the end of the semester.

Organizing the Physical Environment

The physical environment of my choral classroom and a hypothetical music wing of a school is provided in this floor plan. This floor plan provides accessibility to all students to participate in the choir, to have access to the practice rooms and the teacher’s office, and have a safe path to all the exits. This room also provides visual accessibility to all students through a portable white board and pull down projector screen. This arrangement prevents any safety issues for students with physical disabilities and allows for enough space to safely maneuver the grand piano, white board, and other large teaching equipment around the room.