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Dimension 1 |
Positive Attitudes and Perceptions About Learning
Attitudes and perceptions affect students' ability to learn. Without positive attitudes and perceptions, students do not learn well. Dimensions of Learning offers ways to help students think positively and constructively about themselves, their peers, teachers, and assigned tasks.
Classroom Climate:
Help students understand that attitudes and perceptions related to classroom climate influence learning.
Feel Accepted by Teachers and Peers:
Establish a relationship with each student in the class.
Monitor and attend to your own attitudes.
Engage in equitable and positive classroom behavior.
Recognize and provide for students' individual differences.
Respond positively to students' incorrect responses or lack of response.
Vary the positive reinforcement offered when students give the correct response.
Structure opportunities for students to work with peers.
Provide opportunities for students to get to know and accept each other.
Help students develop their ability to use their own strategies for gaining acceptance from their teachers and peers.
Experience a Sense of Comfort and Order:
Frequently and systematically use activities that involve physical movement.
Introduce the concept of "bracketing."
Establish and communicate classroom rules and procedures.
Be aware of malicious teasing or threats inside or outside of the classroom, and take steps to stop such behavior.
Have students identify their own standards for comfort and order.
Helping Students Develop Positive Attitudes and Perceptions About Classroom Tasks:
Help students understand that learning is influenced by attitudes and perceptions related to classroom tasks.
Perceive Tasks as Valuable and Interesting:
Establish a sense of academic trust.
Help students understand how specific knowledge is valuable.
Use a variety of ways to engage students in classroom tasks.
Create classroom tasks that related to students' interests and goals.
Believe They Have the Ability and Resources to Complete Tasks:
Provide appropriate feedback.
Teach students to use positive self-talk.
Help students recognize that they have the abilities to complete a particular task.
Help students understand that believing in their ability to complete a task includes believing that they have the ability to get the help and the resources needed.
Understand and Be Clear About Tasks:
Help students be clear about the directions and demands of the task.
Provide students with clarity about the knowledge that the task addresses.
Provide students with clear performance levels for tasks.
For additional information or assistance call the Community Instructional Specialist for your cluster or Antoinette Kellaher, Department of Staff Development, (301-805-2700).
The Dimensions of Learning Teachers' Manual
Observing Dimensions of Learning in Classrooms and Schools (Brown-ASCD), and related materials can be borrowed from Bonnie John Center Teacher Resource Library (301-36-1605).