Running head: MY OBSERVATIONS AND IDEAL CLASSROOM 1

My Observations and Ideal Classroom

Michael R. McKenzie

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

MY OBSERVATIONS AND IDEAL CLASSROOM 2

My Observations and Ideal Classroom

In pondering the questions weve been asked to address in regards to our 20 hours of

observations this semester one question sticks out the most to me. It asks us to discuss the

similarities we saw in the classrooms we observed. From the teaching aspect of this question, I

saw one common theme regardless of the type of theme. Every teacher I observed cared about

their students. They cared whether the students comprehended the materials being taught. They

cared about the students well-being and safety. They care about their students current and

future success in life. Every teacher had their own way of showing it, but I could see it in each

and every teacher I observed. For me, this is a primary motivation for my wanting to be a

teacher. I care about kids.

Here are some additional similarities and differences I observed. I personally could see

some resemblances in the class settings between the STEM academy, private school, and

residential math and science schools we visited. All of them had lower student to teacher ratios

in their classrooms. Also, I did not notice any students who that were distracting their fellow

students, and hindering their ability to learn. However, these type students were present in the

classrooms within the other schools I visited, and these classrooms had a larger student to teacher

ratio. One exception was at Sylvan Hills High School, which is considered an urban school.

Mrs. Brooks at Sylvan Hills had over 20 students in the classes I observed, and maintained

complete control and respect of her students. Needless to say, she was one of my favorite

teachers to observe. All the schools appeared to have a diverse student population with regard to

race, and seem to fairly represent the population of their surrounding area. However, the private
MY OBSERVATIONS AND IDEAL CLASSROOM 3

school did not have much race diversity, as most students were white. Also, I noticed at England

High School the staff did not equally reflect the student body race diversity. Every teacher I met

or saw at England High School was white, but the student population had a greater diversity in

race.

The school climate and culture did seem to vary a little from school to school. The

classes I visited at Pulaski Academy and ASMSA seemed to more closely resemble that which

one might experience on a college university. The Physics class we observed at ASMSA was

identical to a lecture I would imagine to receive in a college Physics class setting. It was purely

a lecture based lesson, and to me, was extremely boring. On the other hand, Pulaski Academy

was similar to college courses I have taken or am currently taking. The teachers were definitely

more animated, but the students seem to exhibit a greater maturity level as a whole than those I

observed elsewhere.

Now I will explore my vision of what I currently would describe as being my ideal

classroom and ideal school. I would like to prelude the following by stating I have no doubt my

opinions to follow are always being shaped and molded by my experiences in life, and my

response to this section would likely be completely different if asked the same questions a year

from now. But as of today I could see myself teaching algebra at a public rural or urban middle

school. Like I said previously, a major motivator for me to pursue this profession is a desire to

help make a difference in kids lives. Middle school is where I see myself having the greatest

chance in positively affecting a childs life for the better.

Being a traditionalist for the most part Id prefer to teach 5 one hour classes daily in the

fall and spring similar to how most public school operate today, and hopefully coach or help
MY OBSERVATIONS AND IDEAL CLASSROOM 4

coach a non-major sport like golf, fishing, shooting, or bowling. I wont lie. I do like having my

summers to myself. I would expect my students to dress appropriately, adhering to a moderate

dress code. Cell phones will be required to be put away at all times in my classroom, unless I

state otherwise. Being someone who embraces diversity as a good thing, I would use many

different tools, media, and methods to teach my class. Of course, they will be inquiry based

lessons.

Like most every kid, I experienced bullying growing up. My students and parents will

feel safe at all times in my classroom or anywhere else I am present! This includes verbal,

physical, and psychological abuse. I embrace diversity, and treat everyone equally. My

expectation for my students will be the same, as I will frequently remind them all. Fortunately

for my future students, I am a very positive person. I will use positive reinforcement constantly

to promote learning. Students will also see by my example it is good to volunteer in their

community.

My ideal school would have strong leadership in its administration. Administration and

all staff will be ever mindful that clear and open communication promotes a positive

environment for all. The buildings, yards, bathrooms, and classrooms would all be cleaned and

maintained routinely. In addition to mutual respect by the students, my ideal school will

promote and maintain mutual respect amongst all its staff. In short the school will be

somewhere all those associated will be proud to call their own.

I have yet to develop my preferences as to how my future classroom will be laid out, so

for now, I just want everyone to have a comfortable desk or table to sit at. My ideal class size

would be less than 20, but more than 10 students. This will allow me not only to ensure each
MY OBSERVATIONS AND IDEAL CLASSROOM 5

student receives proper individual attention, but allow me to have enough students to do fun

small group projects or games. Regarding the ethnic and socioeconomic makeup of my ideal

class, I repeat, diversity is the spice of life.

To conclude, I am still learning what I envision to be my ideal classroom one day, but

here is what matters most to me. I want to be somewhere I am appreciated. This is more

important to me than a bigger salary. I want the children to feel safe, and have a clean learning

environment. I hope the parents try to always be a positive influence with regards to their

childrens learning. I want to be somewhere that other faculty and staff feels similar to how I do.

I want to opportunity to have a positive impact in childrens lives.