Case
Physical Appearance

You are interviewing for a 6th grade math position, and your first task is to describe your classroom's physical appearance. What is the purpose of this question, and how would you answer?

Posted on: 10/19/14 | Views: 1742
Solution #1
Top Solution
The purpose of this question is to make sure that the teacher in question knows all aspects of being an educator including creating a warm, friendly environment for students. At this age, the room should be set up for students to be completely independent in moving around the room and turning assignments adequately. It should still have a print rich environment, but with mathematical anchor charts and posters that will motivate students and this age starts transitioning into a fairly difficult time personally.

I agree with this solution. I think that as a teacher, especially to younger students, it is a good strategy to make your room warm and inviting so that the students feel comfortable in your class room.

I think this a good suggestion of how a 6th grade classroom should be set up. It is important to include academic charts that will be helpful during their studies and also include encouraging posters for their development.

I agree with this solution. I want a friendly, ready to learn, easy flowing space to teach.

That is exactly how I would want my classroom to be. They should be able to move freely across the room without moving in and out of group desks.

I agree with this solution!

I agree with this solution

I agree with this solution. I think creating a warm classroom environment is super important.

I agree with this solution.

67 0
Solution #2
I would imagine that your employer wants to know how you plan on running your classroom and if you are going to have the key components they are looking for. If you say that you would have the desks organized in groups, the interviewer will know that you like cooperative learning, this could be a plus. You might also mention that the desks would be moved into 'testing positions' or rows when the students are completing an assessment. You could also mention that you would have a calendar of assignments/homework, and a bulletin board for your learning goals.

I would think they would want to hear your visions, inspirations, and creativity.

that is a great idea

17 3
Solution #3
The purpose of the question is for the interviewer to get a good idea about how you "see" your classroom. A good teacher will answer the bare minimum. However, an exceptional teacher will describe their classroom with such vivid imagination that the interviewer could see his or herself in your classroom.
13 0
Solution #4
The purpose of this question is to see how the prospective teacher would stimulate her classroom to be a good learning environment. I would answer by saying that I would have tons of positive and encouraging posters in my room, as well with a very welcoming atmosphere with many colors which would be stimulating to the children.

The purpose of asking this question is to see if the teacher has an idea of how the classroom would look like and the amount of students that she will need to accommodate. When you go for an interview for a teaching position you have to think about how would you arrange the classroom to establish an effective learning environment.

9 0
Solution #5
This is a multi- purpose question! Interviewers are curious about your classroom environment. They'd like to know if what things you consider in your classroom setup. For example, grouped seating is conducive for collaborative learning. Displaying student work and teacher commentary shows that students their is feedback between student and teacher. A carpeted area might suggest that you have a place to hold small-group meeting or a comfortable spot to read. Colorful decorations might signify that you considered a stimulus to help students learn and focus. Labels and signs might show that your classroom is organized and certain management systems are in place.

Great response, very helpful!

4 0
Solution #6
The classroom should be well organized with often used materials within easy access to avoid too much student traffic during transitions. Other math resources that will be used later in the course should be stored to avoid clutter. Classroom rules and procedures should be displayed where all students are able to view them so they are aware that the classroom is considered a safe and respectful community. In addition, other posters reinforcing math strategies and methods of mathematical operations will help enhance students desires to achieve academic success. The question was posed to ensure that the classroom was one that is inviting, promotes a positive learning environment, and motivates your students to become actively engaged in their learning process.
4 0
Solution #7
To show you know what a classroom should look like. I would describe it how in the sixth grade I would of wanted my classroom
3 0
Solution #8
The purpose of this question is to make sure a teacher has a clear vision on classroom management and how to organize it. I would say my room will have the Classroom rules displayed on the wall, visible to all students. There will be a section to show students's work and projects. Another wall will have bulletin boards containing information related to the topics studied. A bulletin board with information regarding my teaching. The desks will be organized in a Semi-U shape facing the board. Cabinets will be labeled so students know what's inside each.
2 0
Solution #9
This question is to figure out the manner and thoughts behind your classroom management. I would first describe the seating arrangement I would set and the benefits it will create. I would describe how I want the walls to be decorated; with educational posters, the alphabet, multiplication tables, and encouragement posters. The classroom rules will also be posted clearly for everyone to see on the board.
1 0
Solution #10
I had a previous college homework assignment where I was asked this question. What I did personally was starting with my door, as most elementary teachers have their doors decorated in some type of way. The door is the first thing you see even before entering the classroom. Give as many details as possible like, what you see first, how desks are arranged, what is posted on the walls, but on top of all these things give reasons why it benefits the students and how it promotes their learning.
1 0
Solution #11
Math has changed a lot over the recent years. These great new changes should be reflected in your classroom. It should welcome students to interact in groups, have positive perseverance messages, etc.
1 0
Solution #12
The purpose of this question is to see how inviting teachers are planning on making their classroom. Especially in a subject like math, many students either do not like or fear math. Allowing students to walk into a classroom that appears to be welcoming may be a nice change for them. I want my classroom to feel as inviting as possible for my students. I understand that math may not be everyone's favorite subject and quit frankly, most students fear math. I want to change that. The first step to changing this perception is changing the typical math classroom. Sight words, expressions and formulas that show students how easy it can be to remember the correct steps in an equation will be hanging up in my room. Also, I would set my room up to connect with students everyday life. Find things the students are interested in and integrate it with math.
1 0
Solution #13
Physical appearance of the classroom actually plays a big role in classroom management, which is so important in being a successful teacher! As a teacher you need to be able to see your students at all times as well as avoid as much unwanted talking and confrontation between students as possible. It's also important for teachers to be able to quickly change the appearance of the classroom as it is necessary and to be able to adjust to it.
1 0
Solution #14
This is an important critical thinking question that professionals throw in to see your thought process and how well you can explain yourself. I would answer with a set-up style of my choice, then explain my reasoning as to why I chose this particular style, and explain the benefits of that preference.
1 0
Solution #15
Dress code is an increasing issue for schools but also students. Teachers need to become more aware of school and national issues not just the administration
1 0
Solution #16
The purpose of this question is to determine how would the teacher arrange the classroom to promote an effective learning environment.
1 0
Solution #17
i would answer it by saying i would try and make it seem like a fun atmosphere for some it may be but most students are intimidated and hate math.
1 0
Solution #18
Principals want to know how your room would be engaging to students and conducive to learning. I would tell them that the room would have positive/motivating quotes. I would also tell them that the room would be literary rich with readily accessible technology.
1 0
Solution #19
The person conducting the interview wants to see how you envision a classroom. That you make it a growing space for studnts but also a space that they will be comfortable in and feel supported.
0 0
Solution #20
I think the purpose of this question is for employers to understand your classroom management strategies and teaching style. This gives you the opportunity to address how you may incorporate cooperative learning in the classroom and whether your teaching style is student-centered or teacher-centered. For example, I would talk about the layout of the student's desks, where students can access materials, where your personal desk will be, etc.
0 0
Solution #21
Definitely include that desks are in groups and explain how you grouped the students. This opens the floor for explanation of how you differentiate.
2 5
Solution #22
I believe the main purpose of this question is to determine whether you would group your students or seat them separately. Your response tells the interviewer a lot about your teaching style. Do you like to allow students opportunities to collaborate in groups or do you expect them to always work independently. I would still want my students in groups at this age because I am a constructivist and believe students learn best through collaboration.
1 4