Effective Learning Environments - Digital & Note Taking Activity

This digital/interactive notebook friendly activity will guide students through what makes a learning environment effective. Students will move through an interactive Google Slides presentation while taking fill-in-the-blank notes to learn about:

· What a safe, inclusive learning environment involves

· The principals of universal design both in and out of the classroom

· Differentiated and strategic student grouping techniques

They will explore what the principles of universal design are, where they can be found, and how the Universal Design for Learning supports an effective learning environment. They will walk through the different mindsets that learners hold when coming into a learning space, and how we, as educators, can meet these learners where they are in order to guide them to the finish line.

They will be given "grouping scenarios" that fall under the most common grouping strategies educators employ.

Notes include fill-in-the-blanks, a vocabulary activity, and an exit ticket where students must reflect on real-life student grouping in an actual teaching situation.

TEKS Covered:

(8) The student identifies elements of an effective classroom environment. The student is expected to:

(A) use available classroom equipment and technology for effective instruction; Education and Training §127.G. August 2022 Update Page 9 of 38

(B) analyze effective tools used in classroom management such as classroom expectations, seating charts, classroom set-up, procedures and routines, and teacher organization and preparation;

(C) explain characteristics of an effective learning environment, including universally accessible classroom design;

(D) analyze positive behavior intervention techniques, including restorative practices; and

(E) develop a differentiated lesson plan that includes scaffolding for all levels of learners.