Académique Documents
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Culture Documents
Signature Assignment
Absrtact:
This signature assignment is for a class at Arizona State University. Throughout the
different sections, readers will be able to better understand teaching philosophies and
strategies created and portrayed by the writer. Different topics and sub topics will be adressed
such as philosphy of education and discipline, different theories in practice, preventative tactics,
supportive tactics, re-directing tactics, rules and consequences for different behaviors,
classroom layouts, and communication practices. This signature assignment encompasses the
was in the military for six years and believe in setting the tone of the classroom early. While I
may be a little more on the strict side and highly value self respect and respect for your
neighbor, I also believe in having fun. If students are haing fun and enjoying their lessons, I
believe they will be more actively engaged and retain more information. It is my goal to create a
classroom that students will remember as a place of positive learning experiences. Upon leaving
my class, students should be better team mates, possess a better understanding of collaborative
effort, and have a re-newed respect and value of themselves and their neighbor.
Philosophy of Discipline
I believe discipline is at the root of all hard work and success. In order for students to
become successful, they must learn discipline. Self-discipline will keep students on task and
working diligently when they become tired or burnt out. School weeks can be long and tiring.
SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT 3
Through with self dscipline students will be able to develop healthy habbits that will be
condusive to the lifestyle they desire, and the success they are working to achieve.
When students are lacking the ability to complete tasks or stay on task, there will be
ample opportunity for disciplinary teachings. Different tutoring schedules will be provided as
well as assistance with weekly planners. In order to help students develop good work ethic and
self discipline, effective time and resource management skills will be required. Teaching these
Theory in Practice
experience. Students will be able to exercise more and more freedoms and liberties throughout
the class as the year progresses so long as they are well behaved and earn these liberties.
Though I expect the students to have fun and obey class rules and procedures, certain tactics
Preventitive Tactics:
During the first few weeks, it is important to establish the culture of the classroom.
Laying a firm foundation of respect for the rules will create a preventative action against any
outlandish behavior. Also having a strict set of procedures will keep students on task throught
the day. Each day, students will come to class knowing exactly what is expected of them for the
day and throughout the week. Once students fall into a healthy routine and learn grow acustom
to the culture of the class, they will understand how to conduct themselves during their studies.
Supportive Tactics:
SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT 4
productivity in the classroom, issues are sure to arise. Providing a support network for students
is also necessary to establish a positive environment and help students achieve their success. All
students in need of assistance will be able to have one on one time during my planning period
or at other times throughout the day. During this time, help with assignments, study habits,
organization skills, and other assistance can be granted to the students. So long as it is within
reason, direct assistance will be provided to students. The goal is to be able to provide as much
Re-Directing Tactics:
While it is important to be plugged into the matters of students, there may be times
where issues need a different type of attention. If students are having issues with classroom
Furthermore, if there are issues that are beyond my expertise or capability of resolving,
alternative sources for assistance will be provided. Outside tutors, couselors, and study teachers
or coaches will be made accessible to students who needs a different kind of assistance.
Procedures:
Procedures contribute to the culture of the classroom and overall positive experience all
educators wish for their students. Rather than explain what should not be done however, they
give guidance to what students should be doing and basic expectation for the class. A set of
procedures help students assimilate to the schedule they are given in a class and create and
expectation for learning. The following list of procedures will be utilized in my classroom.
SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT 5
Students will come in and find their seat in a quiet and timely manner.
Students will stow their bags and personal belongings as soon as seated and prepare for
class.
Students will place writing utensils, required text, and appropriate technology on their
desk.
Once seated, students will copy their agenda for the day and prepare for the daily
activities.
If students need to use the bathroom, they will raise their hands and ask. Permission will
on the following day. It will be passed forward and collected during the last five minutes
of the class period. Graded work will also be given back at this time.
If students are finished with their work early or lecture ends early, they will remain
seated and quietly read, study, or work on homework until the bell rings.
All borrowed materials will be returned before leaving class.
Students will be emailed all assignments and be allowed to make up all work from an
excused absence.
Students will meet with me individually to discuss options for make-up work if an
absence is un-excused.
Grading
o The class will offer a total of 1000 points.
o 4 tests will be worth 100 points each (400).
o 4 journals will be worth 50 points each (200).
o 12 homework/daily assignments will be 25 points each (300).
o 1 presentation will be worth 100 points.
Late work policy:
o One day late will result in a deduction of 10 points.
o Two days late will result in a deduction of 20 points.
SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT 6
o If work is not turned in after two days, the student will have to meet with me to
points each).
o These points will be added to missing work and/or grades that are less than
100%.
In addition to students signing this document, at least one parent will be expected to
sign as well.
Parents are welcome to email me any day of the week with any questions, or to set up a
Rules:
While every classroom is different and each class will have a different dynamic, I believe
laying a strong foundation will establish a positive environment and create a healthy place of
learning. Despite each class and group of students being different, there are fundamental rules
that can apply across the board. Those rules create the classroom culture. In my class, there will
be five fundamental rules. These rules will be the standing doctrine of behavior and
expectations for student interaction. The following chart list each rule, the consequence
associated with the rule, and the logic in why that rule exists.
designated work time. continually disrupts the class. student waste my time and
raise their hands if they have out, they will be required to self-control and discipline.
discipline.
Students will be in the If a student is out of uniform This consequence reinforces
learn to be professionals.
No eating or drinking during If students are caught eating This consequence teaches
class (water is accepted so or drinking, they will clean the students respect for
long as there is a cap or lid the classroom after school. cleanliness and good
to the teacher, all other staff, disrespectful, they will either importantly themselves will
their classmates, and stand and say 3 positive teach them most how to
things.
These rules will be communicated on the first day of class. A copy will also be provided
to the students. Before the students are given a consequence for breaking a rule, they will be
given one verbal warning each day. This singular warning will be communicated clearly so there
is no confusion. It will be stated as such: “John/Jane, this is your verbal warning”. The students
SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT 8
do not get one warning per rule. One warning is given, then whichever rule is broken next will
In today’s classroom, much has changed. With new developments in technology and the
changing styles of instruction, classroom layout can be much different than what is considered
the norm. Traditionally, classrooms were composed of rows of desks with a chalk or white board
at the front of the room. While this has worked in the past, it may not be the best way to set up a
classroom with the new technology available today. Below is a diagram of a new and updated
The diagram posted above is a 30x30 foot classroom. This 900 square foot room is
perfectly sized and capable of holding up to 36 students. The most noticeable feature in this
layout are the tables. Unlike traditional desks in rows, these tables allow student to collaborate
and work together. With a growing use of collaborative work, these tables allow more
productivity. Each table is equiped with two outlets to charge students individual laptops. The
students will complete most of their work at these tables on their laptops.
SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT 10
The next feature of this classroom are the six smart boards hanging on 3 walls. These
smart boards will replace the use of white boards. As a history teacher, both screens can project a
lesson dually, or they can be used as a split screen providing a map and lesson details when
required. These smart boards will also be used to display all announcements and notifications. If
students need reminders or notes, they may copy down essential information into the notes
In the front left of the class, there are three bookshelves each connected to one another.
Since a vast majority of the learning will take place on the students laptop, additional text books
and reading materials will be stored on these shelves. If students need these texts, they can sign
them out and return them at the end of each class. Special exceptions can be made over the
weekend when required. While it is my goal to eliminate most of the paper use in this class,
There will be times when students must turn in paper assignments. This work will be completed
and turned in at the back of the class on the long table to the right of the door.
Finally, at the front right of the class will be my desk. While most of the time spent in the
class will not be here, it is still important to have a small workspace where I can organize my
paperwork and materials. Also, if students need to talk to me one on one, this is where they can
meet me.
April 7, 2019
Jeffery Hartley
1440 East Broadway Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85282
Jeffhartley090@gmail.com
619-990-1674
Tempe, AZ 85282
I am writing you to inform you that your son Lucas has been experiencing some difficulties in
class. I will say first and foremost that his behavior is fine. He is always on time and is an active
participant in discussion and activities. Each day, students are required to come in quietly,
unpack and get ready for class, complete their agenda, and then prepare for the day’s lesson.
Lucas follows this procedure flawlessly and is a respectful student.
The issue that I am having with Lucas is in his attention to detail while completing his classwork
and homework. As I mentioned before, he is an active learner and has no problem engaging in
the lesson. However, when working on classwork, he is often distracted by others around him.
He also has a habit of daydreaming when given time to complete assignments or work on
projects. His inability to maintain focus has also affected his homework assignments. I believe
he is not paying attention to instructions when I tell the class how to complete their homework.
I believe Lucas is a smart student with a promising future. With your help I believe we can
remedy this situation.
I have set up a new system of in the classroom to help students check each other’s work before
submission, specifically their formatting of assignments. Because Lucas often struggles with the
formatting of assignments, I believe this should help him with that. I would also like your help in
checking his homework or helping him better understand the expectations for each assignment.
I have set up a new e-mail reminder system that will automatically send out reminders and
specific instructions for students when work is due the following day and week.
With your help and these new accommodations, I believe Lucas will be able to improve his
grade and quality of work. I thank you for your time and cooperation as we strive to improve
Lucas’ learning experience. Please contact me with any questions or comments you have.
Sincerely,
Jeffery Hartley
References