What Truly Makes a Classroom Great?

In class, we recently learned about Alfie Kohn’s ideas on what to look for in a classroom. As I looked at the chart there was few points that stood out to me the most and made me think about my own experiences in classrooms and what I think makes a learning environment great. In Kohn’s chart he compares various traditional and progressive classrooms to show what are good sings and possible reasons to worry, this reflects on what can actually works in a classroom and what can't, here i selected the three Good sings that I agree with the most in Kohn's chart:     Quote#1-“Activities frequently completed by pairs or groups of students".” I think this is so important because working with others makes learning interactive and rewarding. It’s not just about finding the right answer it’s about sharing ideas, discussing strategies, and thinking critically to solve problems together when students work together, they gain valuable insights from their classmates, hear different perspectives, and get a broader view of things and also build relationships with their classmates. By collaborating, students learn how to interact with others and connect with them, which is an important skill for life.     Quote#2-“Students ask questions at least as often as the teacher does” A teacher shouldn’t be the only one talking in the classroom. If that happens, students miss out on connecting with each other and even with the teacher. It’s very important that students have an opportunity to get their voices heard in the classroom when teachers truly listen to students they make the room feel more open and welcoming. When students feel heard, they’re more likely to participate and share their opinions. This helps in empowering the students and shows them that their voices matter in their learning process this also helps in building stronger connections between the teacher and the students and creates a classroom where everyone can grow.     Quote#3-“Comfortable areas for learning, including multiple activities centers” The way a classroom is set up can really affect how students feel and learn. Flexible seating lets students choose a spot that works best for them, helping them focus and stay engaged. Even though it’s a simple change, it shows that the classroom is designed with the students’ needs in mind. Question: Which point in Alfie Kohn’s chart do you think would make the biggest difference in your learning experience?