Comfort in the Classroom by Carlee

Comfort in the Classroom by Carlee - October 2014 Scholarship Essay

I believe that the best type of classroom setting is one that a student can feel comfortable in. When students can best be themselves, they will be much more likely to comprehend and feel eager to learn the material being taught. There are several factors to take into consideration that will make a student per se "comfortable," and nearly all have to do with the person teaching. If a teacher is standoffish and cold, a student is not going to take up good feelings with them and will therefore look over the importance of the class. A good learning environment will require the teacher to build a personal relationship with his students, have a non-derogatory sense of humor, and take time to relax throughout the lesson.

In order for teachers to build a one-on-one relationship with students, the teacher will need to, in essence, bring themselves down to the level of the person in which they are attempting to relate. Small talk over minor issues can spark stories and debates of common interest that will create a bond between student and teacher. With this bond in place, the student will be more receptive to the teacher's words and will pay better attention to the lesson being taught. They will deem the teacher as a confidante and will feel much more at ease in their classroom.

The second aspect of making an ideal classroom builds off of the personal relationship from the first point made. A student will grow much warmer to a teacher who is lighthearted and has a good sense of humor. However, for the optimal classroom experience, teachers should be wary of their humor. Like any average person, a student will not react lightly to being teased and picked on. The playful air of the classroom should be purely clean and uplifting.

Finally, it is important for teachers to take a short time-out during their lesson. Obviously, school is for learning, but to work and learn nonstop from one bell to another will wane anyone's attention span. A small break during the middle of class to give students time to chat amongst themselves will not only allow a teacher to rest and prepare for the remainder of the lesson, but will also allow students to become a bit lax before turning back to their lessons and assignments in order to achieve their highest working potential.

Ultimately, success in the classroom starts with the person up front teaching. No matter how hard or easy a particular subject is, there will be no benefit in learning if the student can't have a interpersonal friendship with their teacher, let go and laugh a little, and have a resting period for socialization and enjoyment. All points mentioned are attributes and actions that make a great teacher, and with a great teacher, one can have a great learning environment that will allow students across the spectrum to enjoy their school day and find more optimism in receiving an education.