Domain 2
Overview:
As the name suggests, Domain 2 of the Danielson Framework is all about the environment in the classroom. This is not only the physical surroundings but also the culture that the teacher creates. The surrounding must be a nurturing environment that encourages learning. The teacher is responsible for creating this learning culture and to do that, the teacher must gain the respect of his or her students. To gain the respect of the students, the teacher must first respect them. From this rapport of respect, the teacher is then able to manage classroom behavior. The teacher must also be able to make a physical learning environment that is organized and inviting so that it encourages learning.
2a: Creating and Environment of Respect and Rapport
This aspect of the Framework pertains to the standard that the teacher sets with the students. If the teacher begins by respecting the students, then the students will be more likely to respect the teacher. With this mutual respect, there will be an understanding between teacher and student that encourages a positive relationship between the two. This positive relationship enables the student to learn to the best of his or her ability.
2b: Establishing a Culture for Learning
To establish a culture for learning a teacher must have a positive relationship with the students. The teacher does this by getting to know each student as an individual and figuring out how to best serve that student. Each student is a unique person with different needs and abilities, so it is of the utmost importance that the teacher knows how to meet those needs and use those abilities.
2c: Managing Classroom Procedures
Managing classroom procedures means that the time spent in the classroom runs smoothly. It is the teacher’s job to ensure that the different lessons and classroom activities are carried out in an orderly fashion. Even if things do not go according to plan, the teacher must be able to adapt to the situation so that the students receive optimal care. This could look like changing a lesson plan to suite the needs of the class or taking the class out for a fire drill in calm and collected manner.
2d: Managing Student Behavior
To run classroom procedures smoothly, the teacher must be able to have well-behaved students. Aspects 2a and 2b of the Danielson Framework tie into this aspect seamlessly. If there is an environment of respect and rapport as well as a culture for learning, the teacher will have an easier time managing student behavior. Again, the importance of a positive student-teacher relationship is emphasized; the better the teacher knows the student, the better the teacher is equipped to instruct that student and find ways to manage behavior.
2e: Organizing Physical Space
To run a classroom smoothly, the teacher must create an environment for learning. For a preschool student, this may look like fun toys or books to read, while a secondary student’s environment may have a certain arrangement of desks. Each teacher must decide what classroom arrangement would best suit the students and encourage learning.
D. (n.d.). The Framework. Retrieved October 28, 2018, from http://www.danielsongroup.org/