Creating a Thriving Learning Environment

Creating a learning environment that maximises learning and teaching in any classroom can be a task in itself, let alone creating a successful learning environment within an inclusive education setting. There are however numerous ways to do this with both advantages and difficulties in implementing such a curriculum; it seems an overwhelming experience, especially as a new teacher.

Foreman (2008) likens the classroom environment to an ecosystem to which there are four interconnecting dynamics; teacher factors, student factors, curriculum and resource factors and physical setting factors. These four factors provide many ways that teachers can set up the learning environment to maximise the occurrence of teaching and learning, however it is both my belief and experience that there is a major focus on teacher factors. The reason for this I believe is that it is the actual teacher who implements and practices inclusive education. It is not that I consider any of these factors are more important than another; but I have recently witnessed firsthand how important relational factors are in order to create and continue successful learning and teaching environments that cater for all students.

Dynamic relationships are central in providing a thriving classroom (Greenspan, 2005). This is supported by Frieberg’s model of Consistency Management and Cooperative Discipline (Ashman & Elkins, 2008) which suggests classrooms should be built on support and trust, for these are the foundations that facilitate and nurture relationships between teachers, families, students, colleagues, stakeholders and the community. However, problems can arise in many aspects of the classroom environment if relationships aren’t formed and nurtured, such as a lack ...

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...ward to as a new teacher, embracing new ways to enhance the learning experience for all students. I will be using Clicker 5 and FM stereos as well as interactive whiteboards throughout my internship to maximise the learning experiences for all my students.

Works Cited

Ashman, A., & Elkins, J. (Eds.). (2008). Education for Inclusion and Diversity. Frenchs Forest, New South Wales: Pearson Education Australia.

Causton-Theoharis, C., & Theoharis, G. (2008). Creating Inclusive Schools For All Students. The School Administrator, 65, 24 - 31.

Foreman, P. (Ed.). (2008). Inclusion In Action. South Melbourne, Victoria: Cengage Learning Australia.

Greenspan, S. I. (2005). Creating an Inclusive Classroom. Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 20(1), 26.

Kennedy, G. (2002). Educational software for school and home. Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities, 7(1), 46 - 47.