Georgia Department of Education

Teacher Keys Effectiveness System

Teacher Assessment on Performance Standard 7: Positive Learning Environment

TKES Quick Guide
HOW CAN A POSITIVE LEARNING AN EFFECTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:
ENVIRONMENT ENHANCE STUDENT
ACHIEVEMENT? A positive learning environment depends on classroom
An effective teacher provides a well-managed, safe, management / structure and a climate for student success.
and orderly environment that is conducive to learning Classroom Management / Structure can be
described as:
and encourages respect for all. All of these components
Identifying and communicating desirable behavior
are part of a positive learning environment consisting of Consistently applying rules and procedures
a classroom management/structure and climate that Monitoring student behavior
support academic achievement. Taking preventive rather than reactive
management actions
Classroom management is based on good discipline, Pacing class activities and transitioning between
effective routines, smooth transitions, and ownership of tasks smoothly
Maximizing instructional time
the environment. Effective teachers implement good
Keeping students on task
classroom management to establish order, engage Making learning meaningful
students, and elicit student cooperation, all for the Classroom Climate for Student Success includes:
purpose of creating an efficient learning environment. Cooperation among teachers and students
Another aspect of classroom Common interests and values
Academic success for Pursuit of common goals
management is the structure students begins with a A clear academic focus
of the classroom involves trusting and mutually Well-organized and well-planned lessons
physically orienting the respectful relationship Explicit learning objectives
classroom, preparing and between student and Appropriate instructional pace
teacher, extends to Being respectful, supportive, and productive
organizing the materials, and Modeling by teachers
framing lessons in a logical, classroom order, and
Classroom talk practiced by students
culminates in a safe and
coherent manner.
supportive school Teachers who establish classrooms that are caring,
A classroom with quality
climate. supportive, safe, challenging, and academically
Cornell, D. G. & Mayer, M. J.
management and structure (2010). Why do school order and robust help define a positive learning environment.
safety matter? Educational Research, Physical Arrangement of the Classroom Functional
helps a student to feel safe. Vol. 39, No. 1. floor plans with teacher and student work areas and
Another aspect of feeling optimal use of furniture and materials.
safe comes from a positive classroom climate where risk- Discipline and Routines Classroom rules and
taking is welcome, engagement is the norm, and procedures are established early in the school year.
Organization of Learning Activities Classroom
authentic conversations occur. The classroom climate is
activities are academic with smooth transitions.
the shared perceptions of the learners, which can range Engagement of Students Effective questioning and
from warm and welcoming to cold and indifferent. challenging, but interesting, activities keep students
Teachers who make the effort to engage in positive engaged and accountable.
Maximizing Instructional Time Disruptions are at a
interactions with students, who use authentic
minimum and the most is made of every instructional
conversation to learn about their students, and who minute.
establish a classroom based on mutual respect have a Communication of High Expectations High
tremendous impact on student success. Characteristics expectations are set for all students and support is
provided to achieve the expectations.
of a nurturing, healthy learning environment for students
Care and Respect Learning environment reflects a
include: (1) psychological safety, (2) a positive self- rapport based on trustworthiness, fairness, caring,
image, (3) feelings of belonging, (4) purposeful behavior, respect, and enthusiasm.
and (5) a sense of personal competence.

Dr. John D. Barge, State School Superintendent

July 1, 2014 * page 1 of 1
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