Research abstract

Classroom Management: 3 Important Big-Picture Questions

As you imagine your first day with your schoolkids, take a break from picky details and explore these three big-picture ideas for how learning spaces work, and see the possibilities for your classroom anew. By Mary Beth Hertz

Laura Lurns Last updated October 12, 2016 · 1 min read

An insightful look into what elements go into creating a successful learning environment. Broken down into three easy concepts, this article explores how classroom space, functionality of the learning environment, and engagement with students and their families, can impact each other. These three tips are sure to make the learning environment both welcoming and successful.

“There are three important big-picture questions that to grapple that will address many classroom management problems; How have we organized our classroom space, what does learning look like, and how are we building relationships with families?”

The first tip, organizing classroom space, focuses on the how to view the room from the students perspective. The second tip goes into a closer investigation between what you, as a teacher, feel learning “looks like” regarding student engagement, versus the reality of the classroom design you choose. Lastly the third tip goes into how student engagement, as well as engagement with their families can affect each student’s potential performance.

Key takeaways

Organizing classroom space to emphasize student traffic patterns is important. The ability of students to access learning materials and see what’s being taught is tied closely to this organization.
Another important factor is how the students will learn. Desk organization can depend heavily on what the emphasis of the lesson is.
Building relationships with families is a priority. Consider the parents of a student as partners to foster support for the child at home as well as at school.

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Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert Writes about the learning brain for parents who want plain answers. Every article is grounded in current neuroscience and classroom practice.

“There are three important big-picture questions that to grapple that will address many classroom management problems; How have we organized our classroom space, what does learning look like, and how are we building relationships with families?”

Key takeaways

Is your child struggling in school?

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