As a substitute teacher, I have been able to observe a variety of K-12 classes...and I have some thoughts. Specifically about classroom setup.
From the moment you walk into the classroom, you can tell what kind of day you're going to have. Not because of the students, but because of how the classroom is set up. For example; if you walked into a class and saw bean bags near a shelf full of books, lamps along the edges of the class, a great speaker system, or a spotless desk with organized cubbies for turned in work from students, you know you will have an amazing day. However, if you walk into a room with single file desks, no posters on the walls, a dusty teacher desk, and/or no speakers (!!!) then you know today is going to be a challenge. The way a classroom is set up is very important, and it sets a good first impression of how the teacher is going to manage the class. From what I have seen, and what researchers have observed, it's clear that a student-centered classroom is focused on cultivating creativity and a positive environment. The very first step in creating such an environment is setting up a classroom where students feel comfortable and respected. If the teacher has not put in the effort to create a welcoming environment, the students will most likely not put in the effort to succeed in the class.
The teachers who have a cool classroom setup never have any "behavioral problems", no matter what school you go to. Their class is so chill and the students have been given a lot of freedom on how they can spend their time. I've subbed for classes where some students will take breaks in the middle of class, go out for a walk, and come back calmer and ready to continue their work. These kinds of classes also have a fun lesson plan that's interactive and promote creativity among the students. Caroline Guardio explored the benefits of a creative classroom in her article; "Changing behaviors by changing the classroom environment" Guardio explains that a well-organized and welcoming classroom can encourage students to engage more in the classroom and with their peers in a positive way. Moreover, giving students the freedom to explore their individual learning styles will help them be more focused.
My personal experiences with fun and welcoming classrooms have been amazing. Some teachers have set up cozy reading areas in their class, some have put up lamps around the class so they don't have to use the fluorescent lights, some have even set up coffee stations for students to use. Of course, not all teachers can invest so much money into their class, but there are still ways to make your class a comfortable place. For example, having speakers so you can play music while students work, and arranging the desks in groups rather than rows is a great way to create a welcoming environment. The smallest or simplest effort can make a big difference. Each teacher has clearly communicated their expectations of upholding the welcoming environment, and the students respect it. They know that the teacher went out of their way to make the classroom as welcoming and comfortable as possible, and they want to do their part in keeping it that way.
It's easy to notice that when students have been trusted to do the right thing by their teacher, they will not want to disappoint them. However, teachers that think they need to "keep their students in line" will always have problems. The rules that the teachers have set up from the beginning of the semester are very rigid, and worst of all they have no reason to be so rigid. Some teachers don't allow their students to listen to music or even talk while they work, and there's no reason have those rules to begin with. They set up the bar so low, it's on the floor. With that low of a bar, I can easily walk in and be the cool fun sub that plays music during work time, or worse...let the kids talk during work time!!! In an environment like that, most students will not put in their full effort, and they most likey won't care if they fail the class. Sometimes it seems like the teacher doesn't even care about their own space. The amount of times I've had to sit at a dusty table with papers everywhere is insane. If even the teacher isn't putting in any effort, what motivation do students have to try their best to succeed in their class?
Of course, a classroom set up is not the only things a teacher has to do in order to set up a welcoming environment, but it is the first step they need to take. Even the simple act of arranging the desks in groups rather than rows can make a difference. I remember when I was training to be a teacher, I had big plans of having shelves full of interesting books and cozy chairs in a corner of the room, string lights and lamps along the walls, and speakers around the class. I was inspired by teachers who had gone above and beyond to create a welcoming environment through those same strategies, especially because I knew that not every teacher is that dedicated to student needs. I hope that when I have my own class, I will have it set up in such a way that a sub can walk in and immidietly know that it will be a good day.
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