Classroom Management Evaluation

Through the execution of a detached open-ended qualitative design an evaluation of a first year special education teacher was conducted. The purpose of the evaluation was to gain insight to daily lessons and routines in which students encounter on a daily basis. An environmental evaluation was carried out, thereby illuminating effective and ineffective elements incorporated into the learning atmosphere. An analysis of classroom management techniques was the key focus of the evaluation. It is imperative teachers establish and maintain effective classroom management as it aids in on task behaviors, enhances student engagement, promotes positive social behaviors, and maximizes instructional time. Proficient use of personnel as well as student …show more content…
Initial findings of the external environment revealed well-organized and clean surroundings. Upon entering the classroom my initial findings found the classroom environment to be inviting and student friendly. Several students were working at their individual desks, which were placed in a circular formation in the middle of the classroom. The remaining five students were working at a kidney shaped table located in the back of the classroom. The teacher was providing direct instruction to the students who were working at their individual desks. The direct instruction was centered upon phonemic awareness, as letter and letter sound identification was the primary focus. The instructional assistant was providing individualized instruction, which appeared to be modified to meet the needs of the students. Modifications included the following: larger print, isolated letter presentation, and letter manipulatives. Standards and objectives were presented in written format on the whiteboard located in the front of the …show more content…
Although the standards and objectives were clearly defined on the whiteboard, they remained unclear to the students due to the presentation and student ability levels. Personalizing student name tags with the incorporation of an individual student picture may prove to be effective, as students within the classroom are continuing to recognize their personal name in written format. In addition, personalized student schedules should be placed on the students’ individual desk, thereby providing easier and immediate access. I found the scaffolding, differentiated instruction, use of the instructional assistant, positive reinforcement, and prompting techniques very efficient. However, classroom expectations should be composed, visibly posted, and reviewed daily, therefore providing clear expectations for all students. More specifically, the classroom expectations should consist of no more than five elements and should incorporate visual cues that align with school wide beliefs. Overall, the teacher did an exceptional job, as her passion for education is evident and her willingness to grow as a professional is