FUNCTION OF CLASSROOM

Fred Steele claimed that physical settings

have an impact on basic functions. For
middle and secondary classroom
management purposes, Steele came up with
six functions which include: security and
shelter, social contact, symbolic identification,
task instrumentality, pleasure, and growth.
These functions will help my students in my
classroom to excel.
The first function is security and
shelter. I will create a warm and welcoming
atmosphere. This gives a student a sense of
protection. My students will have a
comfortable and relaxing learning
environment. Each student will have their
own space and desk in my classroom. They
will feel comforted knowing that their
belongings will be safely placed and kept in
their designated desks. The way I have
spaced the room out is easy to move and
navigate around. Where I placed my desk I
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will be able to see the entire room, so I will

always know what is going on.
The second function is social
contact. This also deals with the
arrangement of the room and the students
interacting with one another and also with
myself. Social contact provides students to
interact with other students and also for
students to interact with the teacher. I
decided to place two desks next to one
another. This will allow the students to work
with a partner at appropriate times. Also the
way I have the desks set up will be easy to
form larger groups. I believe it is important
for students to communicate and share
thoughts and ideas. It will help one another
grow academically. Where I placed my desk,
students will be able to contact me easily and
I can see everyone at one time.
The third function is symbolic
identification. The idea behind this function
is to make the classroom more personal. My
classroom will be able to tell anyone who
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enters it about the students, the teacher, and

the class subject. I will have space on my
walls for these sections. I will decorate my
classroom with pictures of influential
individuals in history that we will cover in
class. I will also write inspirational quotes
said by these influential individuals. This can
help the students get an idea on who we will
learn and cover over the course of the year
and to encourage them with the inspirational
quotes. I will also have a designating area on
the wall for students work like projects that
they completed. This will give students a
sense of belonging in the classroom. I believe
this will help give students the sense of
symbolic identification.
The fourth function is task
instrumentality. Task instrumentality deals
with how the classroom environment either
helps or distracts students. A good
environment will help students fulfill and
complete assignments. Organization is the
key ingredient for the success of students
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task instrumentality. Materials have to be in

order, have space to be able to move in and
be comfortable, not too busy, and nothing
causing distractions. My classroom meets
these requirements needed for the success of
students. Desks are not clustered together
and everyone has a clear view of the white
boards and projection screen. It is easy to
move around and get to one place to another.
Materials are accessible in the storage unit
and extra books are provided at the
bookshelves. Also in the back corner is the
computer center for students to use the
computers comfortably and to explore to gain
more knowledge on the topic we are covering.
The fifth stage is pleasure. Pleasure
is important because it determines how not
only students feel but also how teachers feel
about the room. The classroom has to have a
sense of being comfortable and a give warm
welcoming environment to learn and grow in.
My classroom will look attractive, have warm
colors, be clean, organized, and look
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welcoming and presentable. This will give my

students in my classroom positive effects
academically. My students can also gain a
sense of belonging and accomplishment
knowing that their school work is hanging on
the walls.
The sixth and final stage is growth.
Growth is the function where cognitive
development begins to develop and grow and
academic achievement raises in students.
Students also gain the opportunity to
question, observe, and discover. In my
classroom I will have writing and literacy
activities and assignments for my students to
complete. With these activities done in the
classroom and presented will give the student
a sense of personal growth and development
in the classroom in positive aspects.