REFLECTIVE JOURNAL-22- PRODUCTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

28^TH JANUARY, 2015

My class today focused on creating a Productive Learning Environment (PLE). I was reminded that when students walk into a classroom, they must feel as if they are coming to “do something.” Producing a learning environment is one of the key things teachers must do. One way of doing this is by establishing learning centers within the classroom. The challenge with this is that in Trinidad, many classrooms are not equipped with sufficient space to facilitate this. I raised this point with my lecturer and she encouraged me by stating that is where we get an opportunity to explore our creative teaching methods. Should we just throw our hands up in the air because we do not have room for individual learning centers? The answer is no! As a teacher, I must continue to seek out ways to give my students a wholesome teaching/ learning experience. This may take some extra planning, thought and even manipulation of the curriculum at times, but I have accepted the challenge. Where there is a will, there is a way……………..and if I search diligently, I will find that way.

 A Productive Learning Environment must have/be::

·         Effective Instruction

·         Safe and supportive

·         Caring community

·         Effective teacher

As a teacher, I am responsible for creating an environment in which students feel they belong and are intrinsically motivated to learn. This is such a great responsibility. I sincerely wish that no one would come into teaching without understanding this. I may not be the best teacher, and I acknowledge I still have a lot to learn…………………but I know that my heart is in the right place.