| FURNITURE |
|
GOOD SIGNS
|
POSSIBLE REASONS TO WORRY
|
|
Chairs around tables to facilitate interaction
Comfortable areas for learning, including multiple "activity centers"
Open space for gathering |
Chairs all facing forward or (even worse) desks in rows
|
| ON THE WALLS |
|
Covered with students’ projects
Evidence of student collaboration
Signs, exhibits, or lists obviously created by students rather than by the teacher
Information about, and personal mementos of, the people who spend time together in this classroom |
Nothing
Commercial posters
Students’ assignments displayed, but they are (a) suspiciously flawless, (b) only from "the best" students, or (c) virtually all alike
List of rules created by an adult and/or list of punitive consequences for misbehavior
Sticker (or star) chart -- or other evidence that students are rewarded or ranked
|
| STUDENTS’ FACES |
|
Eager, engaged
|
Blank, bored
|
| SOUNDS |
|
Frequent hum of activity and ideas being exchanged
|
Frequent periods of silence
The teacher’s voice is the loudest or most often heard |
| LOCATION OF TEACHER |
| Typically working with students so it takes a few seconds to find her |
Typically front and center
|
| TEACHER’S VOICE |
| Respectful, genuine, warm |
Controlling and imperious
Condescending and saccharine-sweet |
| STUDENTS’ REACTION TO VISITOR |
| Welcoming; eager to explain or demonstrate what they’re doing or to use visitor as a resource |
Either unresponsive or hoping to be distracted from what they’re doing |
| CLASS DISCUSSION |
|
Students often address one another directly
Emphasis on thoughtful exploration of complicated issues
Students ask questions at least as often the teacher does |
All exchanges involve (or are directed by) the teacher; students wait to be called on
Emphasis on facts and right answers
Students race to be first to answer teacher’s "Who can tell me…?" queries |
| STUFF |
| Room overflowing with good books, art supplies, animals and plants, science apparatus; "sense of purposeful clutter" |
Textbooks, worksheets, and other packaged instructional materials predominate; sense of enforced orderliness |
| TASKS |
|
Different activities often take place simultaneously
Activities frequently completed by pairs or groups of students |
All students usually doing the same thing
When students aren’t listening to the teacher, they’re working alone |
| AROUND THE SCHOOL |
|
Appealing atmosphere: a place where people would want to spend time
Students’ projects fill the hallways
Library well-stocked and comfortable
Bathrooms in good condition
Faculty lounge warm and inviting
Office staff welcoming toward visitors and students
Students helping in lunchroom, library, and with other school functions |
