It may sound like common sense, but there are some basics that need to be in place in any classroom to engage students in learning. For starters, classroom teachers need to have their lesson plans ready and appropriate resources available, and students must also come to school organized and ready to learn. It’s no surprise that when the school’s administrators, teachers, and students are well prepared for the school day, students are more likely to feel empowered and motivated to complete their classroom assignments.
More specifically, administrators report that they can best manage each day when the following conditions are in place:
- Classroom facilities are operational and safe.
- Teachers are knowledgeable and experienced in their content areas.
- Appropriate materials and learning resources are provided to teachers and students.
- Supportive, accessible coaches and administrators are available to teachers.
Teachers best support their students by taking these key actions:
- Preparing lesson plans for each day
- Coordinating classroom needs for special lessons or staff events
- Helping students access support services to meet their needs
- Being available beyond class periods to assist their students
How Can We Help Students Self-Monitor Their Own Readiness to Learn?
To help students become aware of their own readiness to learn, teachers can have them complete a checklist, like the one that follows, prior to each unit of study.
Learning a World Language
Student Readiness Checklist
Review the statements below and rate your readiness for learning. In the comments section, describe actions that will support the completion of your classwork and self-assessments.
Unit of Study: _________________________________________________________________
Common Core Standards: ________________________________________________________
Once students have rated their readiness, the teacher can address any weaknesses during targeted learning, just before delivering the lesson. If it becomes apparent that a large number of students are struggling with their readiness to learn, the teacher can also take it a step further and modify the unit of study to address the common needs of the students.
Once a students’ basic needs are met and they feel secure in their classroom, their ability to focus, learn, and be productive has the potential to significantly increase.
Please share your related insights in the comments section below!
