Ms. Eisenhauer’s Classroom Edit display name

About my class

My goal is to create a classroom environment that piques student curiosity through high-quality visual stimulation. I want them to ask their own questions outside of a textbook and lecture, and really immerse themselves in all things science when they enter my room. "An ever‐growing body of research concludes that soft aspects of a classroom, such as climate, color palette of walls and wall decorations, adjustable lighting systems, and seating have the ability to positively influence students' emotions and have important effects on students’ attitudes and behaviors such as attendance, class participation, and rapport with the instructor" (Graetz, 2006; Sommer & Olsen, 1980; Wong et al., 1992). Thus, funding this project will promote opportunities for growth. In a 2015 research from the University of Salford confirms "an attractive physical environment in school is associated with fewer behaviour problems, whereas a negative physical environment is not" (Barrett, PS, Davies, F, Zhang, Y and Barrett, L). The same research also warns of over-stimulation if too many wall decorations are used without a sense of organization. Therefore, I chose only the highest quality posters that are associated with biological topics from our curriculum. Furthermore, I will be selective in which posters are displayed at any given time (changing them as our units progress), and organize them logically to promote engagement. In conclusion, these materials will make a 3-fold difference in my classroom. First, the posters will help me create a more inviting space, which in turn should decrease behavioral problems (a much needed tool in alternative education). Secondly, class participation and engagement will increase with deliberate placement/organization of these high quality images. Third, it will positively impact my students' attitudes towards myself as an educator and hopefully their attitudes towards education in general. Thank you for your consideration!!