My Future Classroom
When I think about my ideal classroom, I think about technology. The above pictures of a smart board, clicker, and document camera are just the basics, but are all things that I would love to have as part of my classroom. Today's culture is getting more and more technology driven and the youth are more and more informed about such things. In order for learning to happen, technology has to be utilized to deliver such material. Technology provides a very interactive way for students to be active participants in the learning process. If we don't include technology within the classroom, there is a chance we (as teachers) will miss out on reaching our students.
Another aspect that I think of for my future classroom is a very interactive environment. I believe interaction is key to overall learning and I want my classroom to reflect that. I envision using student desks or tables to create small/collaborative learning environments where students can and will be expected to work as individuals and with each other. The more access students have to resources, like each other, the more likely they are to approach learning with willingness to learn. I want the classroom environment to be inviting and comfortable. If the student walks into my classroom and is uncomfortable, then learning will not happen. As much as it is my classroom, it also belongs to the students so creating an atmosphere where they feel validated is important for building a learning relationship with me as the teacher and with the curriculum.
I want all the components of my classroom to have a purpose. I want to make sure that the elements I include are not distracting, but rather promote learning. I want to make sure that students have access to manipulatives that aide in the learning process and that they feel free to use them as needed.
The last thing that I would like to incorporate in my classroom are quotes - inspirational quotes, funny quotes, "thinker" quotes, etc. I know it sounds cliche, but the biggest reasons why I want to be a teacher are becase I want to help students believe in themselves and to help them develop as critical thinkers as they enter the world. I don't want to go overboard, but I think that relevant quotes that mean something to me are a great tool to create dialogue with the students. It creates a conversation that isn't part of the curriculum and establishes a deeper relationship with students outside of the material. Quotes could be the tip of the iceberg helping me go from Ms. Berg the teacher to Ms. Berg a friend.