Student Engagement and Independence Model: Mr. Roberts' Classroom

The classroom climate is the foundation of positive learning experiences. An effective teacher designs a classroom with the intent to communicate procedures, provide support for individualized learning needs, display learning objectives publicly, and establish a vision for learning. The transparent classroom environment will positively affect learning outcomes.
For this assignment, review the case study about Mr. Roberts classroom environment.
Mr. Roberts is a fourth grade teacher. He has been teaching in the same school, in the same grade, and in the same classroom for 12 years. His greatest achievement is establishing a flexible classroom environment heavily aligned to individualized learning. At first glance in Mr. Roberts classroom, there are stations designed for student collaboration, flex seating encouraging student comfort and independence, and a table in the back of the classroom labeled “Mr. Roberts one-on-one time.” During his one-on-one time with students, he seeks to establish a positive learning experience through collaboration, goal setting to improve performance, and encouragement to improve confidence in the learning process. The smartboard at the front of the classroom displays learning objectives, schedules, instruction necessities, and an outline to support individual student needs during learning. When students enter the classroom, they hang up their backpacks/jackets on hooks along the back wall. Students find their desk and look to the whiteboard, where Mr. Roberts has bell work. He varies the question: sometimes he writes a word problem, sometimes a writing prompt. When students are about to transition from one activity to another, Mr. Roberts plays the song “Here Comes the Sun,” and students know that they need to be finished with their activity, papers handed in, and eyes on the teacher by the time the song ends. Mr. Roberts chooses two students at the beginning of the day to pass out/collect materials, another student to hold the door, and another to lead the line to specials.
Design a visual or graphic organizer identifying procedures that support student engagement and independence in Mr. Roberts’ classroom environment. The visual or graphic organizer should represent one of the procedures Mr. Roberts has established in his classroom. In addition, provide any additional procedures you feel Mr. Roberts’ classroom may benefit from. It should reflect characteristics of the classroom environment supporting self-regulated learning and collaboration among students.
In addition to the visual representation, include a 250-500 word summary to explain the following:
How is Mr. Roberts classroom environment designed for self-regulated learning and independent learners?
What are best practices for communicating learning objectives to students?
How does a positive environment support self-regulated learning and student development?
How does studying this type of environment prepare you for the design of your future classroom?