2
Positive Learning Environment
According to the observation report, I could use some work in providing
accommodations for “individual students with particular learning differences and needs.” I feel
as though I am able to do this much better in person and I genuinely believe I do a great job at
this in my classrooms as I know the students and I am able to communicate with them much
better in real life than I am in SimSchool. In real life, I am able to actually have a conversation
with the students and see what it is they need in the moment and provide actual assistance to
them. When using SimSchool, this is not possible, at least not in the way that I would like. If I
try to type out my own response to the students in SimSchool, it does not work the same way that
it does in real life and that difference is reflected poorly on the SimSchool report unfortunately.
Of course, I am not saying that I am perfect at this part of the job, but I certainly have faith that I
am much more successful at it in person that I am able to portray in SimSchool.
On the other hand, I do feel I was successful in making the students feel that they were in
a safe and positive learning environment. I believe this was accomplished through the use of both
verbal and nonverbal communication with the students. Giving the students praise and letting
them know that they are doing well with their assignments and acknowledging their hard work
even though they may be having difficulties is a great way to make the students feel safe in being
able to ask questions and know that they are working in a positive learning environment where
their efforts will be acknowledged and appreciated. Additionally, the feature in SimSchool that
allows us to control the tone of our voice when delivering instructions or any verbal statements is
also another great way to achieve sending the right message to the students whether using a
comforting, friendly, or more demanding tone depending on the situation you are dealing with.
