Classroom Environment Factors

   1.       Multidimensionality: The wide range of players and events that are present in a classroom

-          Develop strategies for addressing the wide range of ability levels; and social, emotional, cultural and linguistic backgrounds in your classroom

   2.       Simultaneity: Many different things happen at the same time in a classroom

-          Be aware of what is happening at every level, including that of individual students, small groups and the class as a whole

-          Learn to have ‘eyes in the back of your head’

-          The challenge of simultaneity may contribute to high level of stress and burn-out unless you develop coping strategies

   3.       Immediacy: The speed at which events in a classroom unfold

-          Manage time at both micro and macro levels

-          Give immediate feedback to students during face to face interaction

-          Learn to allocate time appropriately for planned learning activities

-          Behavioral problems are most likely to arise when student’s attention, interest and motivation begin to ebb as a result of poor timing

-          Be alert to ongoing events in a busy classroom setting

   4.       Unpredictability: Carefully planned classroom activities do not always proceed as planned

-          Be flexible

-          Respond appropriately when the unexpected occurs

-          Where possible, take advantage of surprising or unanticipated events

   5.       Publicness: many people, often students, witness what teachers do, or learn about a teacher’s actions from other witnesses

-          Be aware that what you do and say is observed and may be discussed outside the classroom

-          Use this as an opportunity to model appropriate or desirable behavior for students