Domain 2: Learning Environments

Definition

Definition
- Explains the importance of education environments that are beneficial to student development and success.
- These environments should have the purpose in mind of both challenging and supporting students.
- The several components of Domain Two focus on creating a safe classroom that really aims to respond positively to each of the children’s identities, their needs, as well as their academic growth.
Components
- Cultivating Respectful and Affirming Environments
- Fostering a Culture for Learning
- Maintaining Purposeful Environments
- Supporting Positive Student Behavior
- Organizing Spaces for Learning

Definition
- Encouraging students to respect each others identity and encourage growth of their classmates.
Elements
- Positive Relationships
- A Sense of Belonging
- Cultural Responsiveness
- Positive Conflict Resolution
Example
- Students can make a collage of all the things that are their favorite, and then discuss their different interests and identities.
- The purpose of this is for the students to build community and belonging with each other by seeing both the similarities and differences they have with each other and discussing such.

Definition
- Encouraging students when learning may seem more difficult, and when they figure it out, encouraging their hard work and problem solving.
Elements
- Purpose and Motivation
- Dispositions for Learning
- Student Agency and Pride in Work
- Support and Perseverance
Example
- I would encourage a “growth mindset” by setting an example of encouraging students who are struggling and thus motivating students to do the same for their peers.

Definition
- Creating environments that have resources that can help promote learning and encourages student responsibility in the classroom.
Elements
- Productive Collaboration
- Student Autonomy and Responsibility
- Equitable Access to Resources and Supports
- Non-Instructional Tasks
Example
- In my classroom, I would have mathematical centers that would be designed to solve a bigger puzzle in the end.
- If you complete the center correctly, you must use collaboration and the resources provided.

Definition
- Encouraging students when positive behavior is seen, and modeling the positive behavior that you require your students to imitate.
Elements
- Expectations for the Learning Community
- Modeling and Teaching Habits of Character
- Self-Monitoring
- Collective Responsibility
Example
- I would make sure I reinforce proper behavior in my classroom by awarding those who go above and beyond with points on “Class Dojo” with which they can save up for a prize later on.

Definition
- Creating a classroom and spaces of learning that are safe and motivate students to have the desire to learn more about the materials around them.
Elements
- Safety and Accessibility
- Design for Learning and Development
- Co-creation and Shared Ownership
Example
- In my classroom I would have posters on the wall that have to do with the many different things we will learn throughout the year.
- One poster, the children must interact with every day to say the day, month, time, and weather.