Domain #2 of the Danielson Framework is about how a students environment effects how they learn, participate, and interact with others. Things such as how a classroom is set up, with desks and chairs could effect how a students learns. It could also help students interact with each other and participate in class is a positive way. The 2nd Domain also shows how a teacher treats and interacts with a student will effect how students treat each other. This also encourages students to value hard work. These things are very important because they encourage the students to build strong relationships with their teachers and peers. It also encourages the students to value challenges and feeling accomplished when they overcome their challenges. All these things tie together to create a safe place where the will students challenge and respect one another, whereas they also respect their teacher. This is why the 2nd Domain is so important.
What are the components embedded within the Domain?
2a: Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport
A very essential skill of a teacher is to manage a relationship with their students in a positive and supportive manner.
Creating an environment of respect and rapport by how the teacher interacts with the students and how they encourage the students to interact with one another.
The environment of the classroom depends of how the teachers respond to the students and how the students are permitted respond to one another.
The overall tone of the class depends on the type of interactions that take place in the class room.
How the teacher interacts with the students show them that they are interested and care about the students. This models to the students how to respect one another and interact with one another.
2b: Establishing a Culture for Learning
Teachers recognize that work and learning is important for both the student and themselves. The value of hard work and perseverance, and high expectations of the students helps set a general tone for the class.
The positive atmosphere of the classroom encourage the students to keep working on something challenging and prepares them to be successful. This will cause the students to be confident in their work and do their best in the work that they do.
2c: Managing Classroom Procedures
The best way for the students to be engaged in the classroom is to have a smoothly functioning classroom.
For this to be possible, the teacher will "establish and monitor routines". The teacher establishing these things will help students in instructional groups and individual activities. The students will know what to do and what is expected of them.
Since the students know what is expected of them, little time will be lost during class time on instructions and moving around.
The teacher has all the proper materials needed for the class.
2d: Managing Student Behavior
For students to be involved and engaged in class, they need an orderly environment.
The teacher makes it clear to the students what is expected of them behavior wise.
Through all of this, the teacher remembers to respect their students, and are conscious of how they are interacting with their students.
The teacher is to be observant of their surrounds, and the students interacting with one another.
When a student acts out, the teacher takes the time to try and understand why the student is acting that way. The teacher will treat the student with respect, but address the students behavior as soon as possible.
2e: Organizing Physical Space
In a classroom with younger students things such as centers and reading corners can help structure the class activities.
In a classroom with older students how the desks and chairs are arranged could help with discussion and participation.
The classroom must be safe. No wires out, or sharp edges, ect. Students must be able to access the board and different learning resources.
Students must be able to see and hear what is going on in order to participate in the class.
Teachers should integrate the use of computers and technology into the classroom.
Since the students themselves contribute to the physical learning environment, then the teacher should use the physical arrangement and resources in the classroom to provide opportunities to learn and to be productive.
*References* Danielson, Charlotte. (2011).The Framework for Teaching Evaluation Instrument: Domain 2: The Classroom Environment. Retrieved from https://www.danielsongroup.org/framework/