Running head: ARTIFACTS AND ACTIVITIES
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Artifacts and Activities Paper 3
Liberty University
EDUC 539
ARTIFACTS AND ACTIVITIES
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During this week I chose to focus on creating ways to improve the learning environment in my
classroom. More specifically, I wanted to focus on behavior management. In order to create a
better learning environment for my students; this content competency area is very vital for any
educator. In my opinion teachers must be proactive at all times especially in managing a
classroom. Ackerman states (2007), “An effective teacher is proactive much more often than
reactive. Strong or experienced teachers know they can head off behavior problems by preparing
in advance to avoid situations that might encourage these problems” (p. 3). There will be less
behavior issues if a teacher is proactive in all situations.
In today’s society, teachers are responsible for providing effective instruction to a multitude of
diverse students. I have all types of students, whether they come from poor families or deal with
issues that you wouldn’t be able to fathom. It makes my job incredible difficult to handle the
behavior at times but it is my job to treat them all equally no matter how diverse their needs may
be. With this being said, Brummelen (2009) states, “we need to plan learning so that it celebrates
the diversity with which God has created us” (p. 97). I plan to give more of an understanding
heart and embrace my students with welcoming arms and create a productive learning
environment. I actually somewhat started to create a safe space for them to come and calm
down. I have several students that have anger issues and I allow them to come to my room and
just take a moment. Because I am a dance teacher, I know some breathing techniques and share
that with them so they can calm down. It’s important to create a relationship with students and by
doing this less behavior issues will occur.
Rules in the classroom are probably the biggest downfall for me in my classroom. At the
beginning of the school year, I would discuss the rules and have them all over the room but
towards the middle of the year, I become more relax and do not always inforce the rules. My
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students try to see how far they can go with me because I am extremely nice. So once I feel like
my students are unbearable then I try to reinforce the rules that I created in the beginning of the
year. The rules must be enforced consistently in order to manage a classroom. I definitely need to
stick to my rules from the beginning and not allow myself to become lenient.
Lastly, Praying for guidance is what any Christian proactive educator should do. We must
understand that we are unable to go through life without God’s help. We can easily get caught up
in everyday life just try to figure everything out on our own knowing that we will not get far. Its
very important to remember that we serve a God that sees all and knows all. He is so kind
enough to give us free will but also guidance when we ask for it. James 1:5 (New International
Version) states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Whenever I have an issue with a particular
student, I am going to be more proactive and intent on seeking God and asking for guidance.
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References
Ackerman, B. (2007). P.R.A.I.S.E.: Effectively guiding student behavior. Colorado Springs, CO:
Purposeful Design Publications.
Van Brummelen, H. (2009). Walking with God in the classroom: Christian approaches to
learning and teaching (3rd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful Design. ISBN:
9781583310984.
