Contextual Factors - Classroom

The classroom layout in my social studies class is very traditional.  The students’ desks are in six columns which contains seven desks in each row.  Directly in front of the students is the white board that spans the entire wall.  Also, connected to the ceiling is the projection screen which projects on the screen above the white board.  The benefit to the students all facing forward and in rows is the ease of giving lessons and to use the white boards or projector for lessons without having students move their desks or not being able to see the screen.  Also, it makes it easier to manage the overall classroom because it is very easy to determine if a student is paying attention to the lesson or if (s)he is off task.  The negative aspect to the desks aligned in this formation is it subconsciously keeps me in the front of the classroom and makes it harder for me to effectively teach a lesson and move around the room at the same time.  Also, it limits interaction the students have working in groups as compared to if the desks were already formed into pods or groups.  The overall ambiance of the room is very inviting and friendly.  The white painted walls, variety of pictures, the computers and couch in the back of the room, and large windows presents the room as a safe, fun, and relaxed environment for the students and teacher. 

     To the right side of the classroom is located a pull down map of the world is located, student presentations, a large American flag, and pictures of historical figures, such as, Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Rosa Parks, and Gandhi.  This wall represents a sense of pride and insight to what the class is all about.  Displaying the students’ presentations lets them take ownership of the classroom, and shows a sense of accomplishment and appreciation of their hard work and devotion to the class.  The American flag and pictures represent pride for our country, as well as, an appreciation for those individuals that were a part of the development of our nation.  Also, this is a social studies class so it ties into the curriculum. 

     Directly behind the students in the back right corner of the classroom is a sink with a water fountain, which is nice because it eliminates students having to leave the classroom to get a drink of water or to wash their hands.  Also, along the wall is a desk with four computers that have internet access that allows students to do research or write a paper.  Even though having these computers in the classroom is nice, it would not be very feasible to use these in a lesson because the ratio of students to computers is too high.  Also, Mark Twain has a computer lab this is available for the students per request; therefore, if I plan a lesson that computers would be necessary, it would be more practical to use the lab.  However, in the morning when students have study hall, these computers are very resourceful for the students.  In the far back left corner there is a couch with pillows on it that allows students to sit, read, or work together when the class is working in groups.  It is nice to have this couch because it makes the students feel more comfortable and gives them the illusion they are at home and not at school.  The space also provides a relaxing element to the room. 

     The whole left side of the classroom is one long window that looks out onto the grass field where students have PE or lunch.  The windows are nice because they provide plenty of natural light and allow for cool air to enter into the classroom.  However, at times, it can serve as a distracter when students are off task and day dreaming out the window on a gorgeous Oregon sunny day.

     Directly in front of the students, in the front left corner of the classroom is the teacher’s desk with the teacher’s computer.  It is facing the students’ desks which have its advantages when taking attendance and monitoring the students while they are working on assignments or tests.   I have complete overview of all the students and can easily tell if they are on task or distracted.  Also, the door is directly adjacent to my desk so it is easy to monitor who is entering or exiting the classroom.