What is component 2E? Component 2E focuses on the physical environment of the classroom. Teachers should organize the classroom in such a way to promote student learning. In younger classrooms, centers and reading corners structure the class activities and for older students, chairs and desks can facilitate class discussions. Teachers must make the classroom safe. This includes no dangling wires, dangerous traffic patterns etc. Students must be able to see and hear the teacher at all times so they know what is going on and participate. Teachers and students should also make use of the technology that is available for them.
Why is it needed? 2E is needed to keep the classroom safe and organized for teacher and students. The classroom must be accessible for everyone. For example, if a student has an injury and cannot go without supports (crutches and wheelchair) they should be able to get in and out of the classroom with ease. Teachers need to make the classroom arrangement productive for learning. An example would be having a classroom have different centers for different activities during the day. For an older classroom, teachers could rearrange the chair into a circle for a class discussions and this would also work for a younger grade levels if they went around the circle telling the class about their weekend. Teachers need to be aware of the dangers in the classroom to keep students safe. Using technology will engage students more in their learning in technology is used in the right way and effectively.
What are the elements? Safety and accessibility - Physical safety is a major consideration for teachers. If students are unsafe or if they do not have access to learning resources, it will be very hard for learning to occur. Instead teachers should make the classroom both safe and accessible creating an environment for learning and growth. Arrangement of furniture and use of physical resources. The arrangement of the classroom and availability of resources are opportunities teachers should use to advance learning. Students engage themselves in the content and work in productively when the arrangement and resources are properly used. The students should contribute to the environment when they are able to learn.
Artifacts to be used in the classroom! Teachers can organize the classroom to their likely making the arrangement useful for productive learning. Having centers throughout the classroom will create little areas for a specific learning. A library center could have a carpet, fun chairs and a book case where students can relax and read. An art center with different crafts and paper, math center with different math and matching games, science center with experiments and a dramatic play area with dress up clothes and play kitchen for students to use their imagination. In an elementary classroom, having a big carpet for a reading area when the teacher reads aloud would be a fun and engaging way to making reading special. Teachers should inspect the classroom every morning before students come in and have a checklist (outlet covers, scissors out of reach, wires taped down). They should include writing down something they found that is not supposed to be in the classroom. Teachers should also disinfect the classroom and wipe everything down before students come. Have flexible seating in the classroom for children with disabilities feel comfortable and ready to learn. Using technology will enhance the classroom if done correctly. Technology should be an every day use to keep students engaged and learn more about the technology resources. For example going to a computer lab and doing activities online, creating Quizlets, Kahoots etc.
Sources The Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument. (2017). Static.pdesas.org. Retrieved 21 September 2017, from http://static.pdesas.org/content/documents/danielson_rubric_32.pdf Images free for reuse