How to Creating a Positive Atmosphere in Your Classroom. Introduction

According to Rogers cited in Coetzee, Van Niekerk, & Wydeman (2008), classroom climate is the tone that the class experiences in normal daily life. The classroom is essentially a group of learners brought together for the common goal of learning. The attitude of the class depends on the attitudes of the individuals in the classroom, as well as the educator’s attitude. The educators’ role is to use their knowledge, skill and behaviour to create an effective and positive learning environment in their classroom (Coetzee, Van Niekerk, & Wydeman, 2008). Coetzee et al (2008) postulate that the educator can develop a positive classroom environment by: distinguishing the features of a classroom as a learning environment, discussing stages for building a positive classroom environment, managing resources for effective teaching, establishing a socio-emotional classroom environment by focusing on communication, educator-learner relationships and peer-relationships and finally by designing and applying a personal discipline strategy. For the purpose of this essay, I will focus on how the educator can create and sustain a positive atmosphere in the classroom through; learner motivation, communication, interpersonal relations between learner and facilitator, discipline and a classroom discipline policy.

The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called "truth." ~Dan Rather

LEARNER MOTIVATION

The great Albert Einstein said “The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.”
If the knowledge we present to learners is not clear, interesting and at an appropriate level, it is fair to assume that they will lack the motivation to learn (Coetzee et al. 2008). Engaging lessons are instrumental in capturing the class’s attention and establishing a positive learning environment. Additionally, learners that are actively engaged in lessons are less likely to

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