Classroom Framework

Abby

The Danielson Framework is a great tool for any teacher to break down the components of classroom management and organize it into a single piece of paper in which all components work together and build off one another. In my many years of being a student, I have seen multiple different teachers use pieces of this framework to organize their classroom and create a space where students feel safe and respected. I have seen many classrooms where students don't feel this way, too, and I think it is because the teacher was lacking in some areas this framework describes. 1. For me personally, Domain 2 aligns well with what I currently believe a teacher should adhere to. Domain 2 seems to have all the elements I think are most important for a well-managed classroom: Respect and Rapport, Culture for Learning, Managing Procedures, Managing Behavior, and Organizing Physical Space. Interestingly, many of these components align with Domain 3 components. A teacher is effective when they are able to not only get students to pay attention but also get them engaged with the content and able to understand and apply the content to real-world situations. Domain 2 hits many of the foundational aspects that lead to an effective teacher such as assigning work that has a purpose and setting high expectations for students to achieve that work. 2. I think Domain 4 would challenge me the most since it involves the things that happen outside the classroom that can sometimes be an afterthought but are still important. One of the components of Domain 4 which I never thought about is Growing and Developing Professionally, particularly conducting research in the classroom. Sharing the research with other teachers is a great way to start a community of learners, not just teachers, who are staying updated on the new and innovative strategies other professionals are using. I think this is definitely something I would want to be a part of and work towards as a developing teacher.

Arthur

The Danielson Frameworks helps shape my understanding of what effective teaching looks like by giving me a structure through which I can better prepare for my future in education. It gives me guidelines that I can use as a true framework that I can deviate from if necessary, but I see it as being an extremely useful starting point. The second domain, classroom environment, aligns strongly with my current beliefs about teaching because I believe that in order to have success in the classroom, a positive environment is necessary. I believe that while yes the educator needs to have expectations and procedures in place, having and maintaining an encouraging and positive relationship with students only encourages learning in the classroom. I want to make coming to school fun for my students while also accomplishing the goal of the lesson for the day. I think one domain that will challenge me to grow in teaching is the third domain, instruction. As someone who is not currently a teacher, I think that instruction will be the hardest aspect of these domains to practice successfully. I can be professionally responsible, have a great classroom environment, and plan/prepare all I want, but at the end of the day giving instruction in a way that makes sense and is clear to all my students is something I think I will struggle with the most out of all these domains.