Elec 301

TEACHING
MULTI-GRADE
CLASSES

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UNIT 2 Multi-Grade Classes: Teaching Ready!

Lesson 2
Crucial Elements of a Multi-Grade Classroom
B. THE TEACHER’S ROLE
INTRODUCTION
We have learned from previous lessons the different strategies in handling multi-
grade classrooms, Universal Design elements of multi-grade classrooms.
Learning is not confined in the classroom setting, as with the situation today during
pandemic, learning is anywhere and formal education takes several forms. Classroom
therefore is not defined as a structure or building, but any place one can process
learning. Traditionally, teaching was like a one-way street, the teacher lectured to
students then checked for understanding through assessments, moving on to the next
lesson. As Paulo Freire calls it, the banking method where the relationship of teacher
and students is vertical in nature. Teaching was more based on science than art. The
21st century classroom has evolved a lot, encompassing multiple intelligences, but the
basic roles of teachers are almost constant.

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to;
1. Identify the roles of the teachers;
2. Relate experiences from being a student to being a future teacher; and
3. Evaluate the roles of a teacher in the “new normal”.

LESSON PROPER
ACTIVITY
From the diagram below, formulate the roles of a teacher and define each of them.
Provide at least three (3) roles for each sample diagram.

Teacher
a.
b.
c.
Students

Teacher Students
a.
b.
c.

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 The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world in so many ways. Economics
suffer, leadership in governance has been tested, discipline of the people and culture
were also challenged. Not excluded is the way to approach formal learning. Education
as the bridge to economics, politics and culture- basically the development of a nation-
is vital in these trying times. Like the virus, the roles taken by teachers have evolved
faster than ever.
Educators may not wear uniforms 24/7, but the roles expected of us is round
the clock. Here are seven roles a teacher does in a classroom, or, roles expected of
a teacher as stated by Nola, A. (2008) in an article 7 Roles of a Teacher in the 21st
Century.

Teacher Roles:
1. Facilitator – Lecture will get your students’ attention, for a while. But having a
class of an average 40, “for a while” might mean for two or three minutes out of
the 40 minutes allotted time. Teaching life-long skills should be experienced
even after the class, even after they graduate.

To summarize McCrea, S. et al (2015) in their journal TRANSFORMING

TEACHERS, TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS: Turning "Sages" Into "Guides on
The Side", a teacher as a “guide on the side” does not lecture but rather knows
how to listen and knows the passion and interests of his/her students;
capitalizing on that passion for them to become a person who they want, and
not being boxed on who and what they should be as handed down to them by
the curriculum-system of the school. This is responding to the stakeholders
(students, parents, society) instead of being driven by the structure of the
organization.
Teacher as facilitator is a practical application of the principles of
constructivist learning that students would be able to modify previous
knowledge, and construct new ideas based on collaborative experience. Thus,
as a facilitator, it is imperative to have understanding of the types of
personalities of your students, their passions and interests and build
relationships with them.
An excerpt on the article, The Teacher as a Facilitator: Redefining Our
Role in the Classroom, provides a glimpse of a facilitating teacher (Teach21,
2019):
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 ● Creates a learning environment that allow students active
participation to develop their skills and create their own
understanding of the lesson
● Sparks student’s curiosity
● Engages through technology
● Show them how to learn instead of telling them what to learn.
Collaborate ideas with the students.
● Gives a diverse way of assessment and provides meaningful
feedback. Students are not just a range of numbers or letters,
giving qualitative meaning to their scores fosters deeper
understanding
● Cultivates an atmosphere of inclusive education and equality of all
students to develop necessary skills they needed in real life

“Let’s create people who are capable of doing new things, not simply of
repeating what other generations have done.” Jean Piaget
In the “new normal” that we are in, a transition of classroom-based to
online learning is unfolding, facilitating students to lead them to take heed on
their own inquiry by utilizing technology is a challenge we must embrace. To
facilitate collaboration of ideas in the class, ask open-ended questions. This
fosters critical thinking and decision-making.

2. Manager – As mentioned in the first role of a teacher as facilitator, it is important

that a teacher has a relationship with the students. He or she must also learn
to apply the different teaching styles and principles of learning. With this, it
would be easier for him/her to manage the learning environment, making it
meaningful to learners while having fun. Managing a classroom is not about
“control” but more on proper planning and organization.
Classroom management is very vital to learning and discipline. “A
classroom that is out of control yields lower achievement for students and high
burnout rates for teachers.” (Meier, 2013) The same author proposes the
following for classroom management.
a. Create a culture of caring- let the students feel that you are there
for them. Allow collaborative activities and be open to the
individualities presented in their works. When students feel that
the teacher measures success on the learning and not mere
grading system, they usually conform to the classroom policies
and behavioral goals.
b. Establish rules- laying the dos and don’ts from the start of the
class helps both the teacher and students a point of reference of
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 expectations. Teacher as facilitator would also allow that some
policies would come from the students and a class decision
should be honored. This will also teach them that they are part of
the outcome and they are one as a class.
c. Maintain accountability- if there are rules, there should be
accountability. There should be consistency in monitoring
behaviors and sticking to the rules and consequences, if need be.
As the second parent in the school, teachers should also share
feedback to the students parents or guardians, this reinforces
collaboration in molding a better citizen. This also sends a signal
that parents and teachers are one in maintaining accountability.
d. Manage problems- When students misbehave, instead of asking
“Who did wrong?”, it is advised to listen to both sides and
formulate strategies from there on how to handle the situation,
factor all the influences in the problem before making an
intervention. This is where knowing the students helps, you can
apply strategy based on the behavior/s of the students.
It is equally important to have an incidental report for reference
when needed. This can be a part of the behavioral assessment.
Here is an example of a student incidental report:

In addition, an anecdotal record can be a

tool for you as a teacher and the parents
to assess the learner’s development in an
objective manner. Be very careful in
making the report, report what happened,
not what you ‘think’ happen, avoid biases
in writing the report. Example, Ana
finished the 20-question quiz in five
minutes.

(Teachers Pay Teachers, n.d.)

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3. Observer – A teacher starts his lesson with an activity, then proceeds with the
lesson proper. He observed that the students were energetic during the activity
but showed inattention when he started explaining things. Instead of sticking to
the prepared presentation of the lesson, he created group activity without
compromising the objectives of the lesson.

We make adjustments. In as much as policies and rules are set in a

classroom, if the teacher observes that something has to be done even if it is
outside the scope of guidelines, he must be willing to adjust. This is an
incorporated skill of classroom management. The way to understand the
passion and interest of your students is through observing; you can show
genuine care if you observe the personality type of your students.

4. Instructor – Is it not that teacher and instructor are the same?

Teacher is used in the sense of “trainer” or “educator” while the instructor gives
details on the many ways a subject or situation can be approached. An
instructor is more on coaching, encouraging a person to do the best they can
in a situation, while a teacher anchors on the theoretical aspects of the subject.

Knowledge is always akin to the teaching profession. The community

expects that teachers are a source of knowledge and information. As an
instructor, teachers do not necessarily take the “controller” robe, that traditional
vertical relationship of teaching. Teachers instruct beyond the use of textbook,
module, laboratory experiments or group activities.

“A teacher... throws sufficient light on the ‘what to do’ aspects of a subject

or an art. On the other hand, an instructor throws more light on the ‘how to do’
aspects of a subject or an art.” (Aron, 2011)

This role can be a great way to pay individual attention to a student. It

can also allow a teacher to tailor make a course to fit specific student needs.
However, it can also lead to a student becoming too dependent or even too
comfortable with one teacher and one method or style of teaching. (Nola, 2018)

5. Planner – Having a class means planning the course of the class. Many
controversies engulfed the online class of basic education as well as that of the
tertiary level of education. Opening of classes were moved as all levels
transitioned from classroom to online mode of instructions. Preparation is key to
a successful class, planning takes a major role in any type of class. One of the
major subjects that a student teacher needs to be so seriously given attention is
lesson planning.

Planning includes developing the lesson, formulating objectives,

designing the method/s to achieve the objectives, laying out the assessments
and even the seating arrangement.

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 Teacher as a planner thinks through the lesson in detail for the next day,
taking into account the objectives of the curriculum, values upheld by the
institution, diversity of the learners and time provided for the lesson. (11454
Chapter 2, 2006) In planning;
● consider the ethnicity, culture and languages of the learners
● provide materials and equipment to support the multiple
intelligences
● activities should be anchored to the objectives, and fun! Planning
involves developing learning objectives, designing the method to
achieve the objectives and deciding on the assessment to
determine if the objectives have been achieved

6. Evaluator – to know the students’ comprehension of the topic, teachers evaluate

either through written or oral. it is important to note that assessments should be
aligned to the objective of the lesson or unit and syllabus outcomes
Evaluation, however, is not just about scores or grades, it is an
“accumulation of the many things within an environment in which a teacher must
make a subjective judgment.” (The Teacher as an Evaluator, 2008)
Like teaching strategies, assessments should consider the differentiated
learnings of the students. Evaluation should not just be to check the students’
learnings, but also for teachers to find worth in what they do. The evaluation is
to help ‘refine’ the curriculum as needed and diagnose curricular and learning
problems for the proper authority, (DepEd or CHED) to address and achieve a
higher standard of education as a nation.

Four models are outlined for describing and analyzing the role of teachers in the
formulation of educational policy and the resulting processes of change. (Judith
Taack Lanier, 1997)
1. The model of teachers as partners in education policy making draws
on a pluralist view of political processes and an assumption of a
degree of autonomy for teachers and schools.
2. A model of teachers as implementers of change draws a sharp
distinction between the processes of policy making and policy
execution and excludes teachers from an involvement in the former.
3. A model of teachers as resisting change has been put forward both
by those most opposed to and those most supportive of current
educational policy developments.
4. Finally, a model of teachers as policy makers in practice is proposed
to describe the way in which the reality of teaching situations can lead
to the independent actions of individual teachers having systematic
policy effects.

The teachers shape the culture of the classrooms, eventually, that of the country.
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world in so many ways. Economics suffer,
leadership in governance has been tested, discipline of the people and culture were also
challenged. Not excluded is the way to approach formal learning. Education as the bridge
to economics, politics and culture- basically the development of a nation- is vital in these
trying times. Like the virus, the roles taken by teachers have evolved faster than ever
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ABSTRACTION

Learning Insights
A teacher’s role is wrapped in so many forms but is expected to deliver a certain standard of
quality. A nation’s future can be said to be dependent on our government, medical
practitioners, engineers, and businessmen, who are all molded by teachers taking all the roles
in one classroom at one time in their life.

REFERENCES
11454 Chapter 2. (2006).
https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upmbinaries/11454_Chapter_2.pdf
Aron. (2011, August 31). Difference Between Teacher and Instructor. Compare the Difference
Between Similar Terms.
https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-teacher-and-vsinstructor/
Croll, P., Abbott, D., Broadfoot, P., Osborn, M., & Pollard, A. (1994). Teachers and education
policy: Roles and models. British Journal of Educational Studies, 42(4), 333–347.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00071005.1994.9974007
Judith Taack Lanier. (1997, July). Redefining the Role of the Teacher: It’s a Multifaceted
Profession. Edutopia; George Lucas Educational Foundation.
https://www.edutopia.org/redefining-role-teacher
Mccrea, S., Instructor, M., Joel, M., & Leyva, L. (2012). TRANSFORMING TEACHERS,
TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS: Turning “Sages” Into “Guides on The Side.” In Turkish Online
Journal of Distance Education. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ997802.pdf
Mcleod, S. (2019, July 17). Constructivism as a Theory for Teaching and
Learning. Simplypsychology.Org; Simply Psychology.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/constructivism.html
Meier, K. (2013). What Are the Duties of a Teacher in Classroom Management? Seattlepi.Com.
https://education.seattlepi.com/duties-teacher-classroommanagement-4012.html
Nola, A. (2018, April 5). Eton Institute. Eton Institute. https://etoninstitute.com/blog/the-7-roles-
of-a-teacher-in-the-21st-century Rubric for Infographic or Poster Career Title. (2015).
http://cte.sfasu.edu/wpcontent/uploads/2015/04/Rubric-for-Infographic-or-Poster.pdf
Teach21. (2019, January 16). The Teacher as a Facilitator: Redefining Our
Role in the Classroom. – Teach 21st. Teach21st.
https://teach21st.com/2019/01/16/the-teacher-as-a-facilitator-redefining-ourrole-in-the-
classroom/
Teachers Pay Teachers. (n.d.). Student Incident Report. Teachers Pay
Teachers. Retrieved August 14, 2020, from
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Incident-Report2616614
The Teacher as an Evaluator. (2008, January 3). The Classroom.
https://fm44.wordpress.com/2008/01/04/the-teacher-as-an-evaluator/
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UNIT 2 Multi-Grade Classes: Teaching Ready!

Lesson 3
Crucial Elements of a Multi-Grade Classroom
C. CLASSROOM PHYSICAL ARRANGEMENT
INTRODUCTION

A teacher is also a manager and an organizer or planner among other roles that you
possess or are expected of the society. Conducive environment is also a key to better
learning and engaging discussions. Seating arrangement is to be considered since
this is the place where students stay most of the time. (Corpuz & Salandanan, 2015)

Teaching multi-grades is especially a more planned set-up to accommodate the

different grades and interests. The 21st century classroom is geared towards
preparing the learners for the “real world” of work. Simulating work areas to foster
collaboration, project works, flexibility. Safety is a given consideration in any layout
models of a room or building, functionality should be the next priority in arranging a
classroom.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to;

1. Explain how the physical layout of the classroom impacts the learning of the
students;
2. Create a layout of a classroom for a specific elementary grade level; and
3. Compare the essence of classroom physical arrangement to that of a home.

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 LESSON PROPER

ANALYSIS

Classroom Physical Arrangement

Seats should be arranged to allow flexibility for different learning styles, be student
centered and allow ease for teachers to move around during discussion or seat work.
(Flexible Seating for a 21st Century Classroom. –
Teach 21st, 2018)

What is Learning Center?

“A learning center is typically a designated area within the classroom that provides
students with exciting and interesting experiences to practice, enrich, reteach, and
enhance their learning.” ”(A New Approach to Learning Centers | Scholastic, n.d.).
Front he same article, it emphasized that learning centers allows teachers to spend
time with students individually or as a group.

Learning center is a place in a classroom where students can create new ideas
independently through self-directed activities. Center can be elaborately displayed or
a table set at the back of a room. The main objective is that this is a place that will
provide opportunity for learners who did not get it the first time or need more
information on the topic to grasp it on his/her own ways or with help from the teacher
or classmates, to practice hands-on skills, enrich previous knowledge and develop
social relationships.

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 Types of Learning Centers: (Teacher Vision Staff, 2007)
A center where learners are able to observe or apply the concept, to
enhance understanding and appreciation of the topic. Example, after
teaching the concept of ‘force and motion’, you will them observe how
Enrichment different sizes of toy cars move and let them construct their theory
centers based on the activity.
It is an individualized approach to promotion of the topic.

This is typically used at the elementary level to strengthen the

concept or skill after it is discussed. After the introductory lesson,
students may work on facts, phonics, elements or tasks requiring
memorization and/or repetition.
Skill
Centers Skill centers are similar to enrichment centers but here, students are
assigned particular areas in the center as opposed to having free
choice of the topics they want to pursue.

This type of center is interest-based, activities are not necessarily

related to the curriculum. It provides hand-on experiences that
students can explore at their own pace and level of curiosity. It can
Interest and be set up throughout the classroom and students are free to visit
Exploratory before the class starts, during break time or before dismissal.
Centers Activities are to engage the students in meaningful discoveries that
match their interests.

Learning Materials

The physical layout of your classroom reflects your teaching strategy and
your personality (Shalaway, 2020). As teachers are planners, classroom
arrangement must be thought-of for the benefit of the learners and yours, including
the placement of learning materials.

● It is significant that learning materials are readily available for students

and teachers, but also are protected from any untoward incidents like
water spill, being broken or torn and other possibilities that may occur.
● The walls around should reflect real learning and have a purpose, it is
indeed a great learning material for students because of its visibility.
They can be used as visual aides to concepts currently learned.
Underscoring the “current” to avoid unnecessary posters or visual aids
on the walls, update the wall from time to time. Avoid overcrowding.
(Flexible Seating for a 21st Century Classroom. – Teach 21st, 2018)

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 ● As Bettenhausen (1998) suggested in her article, 20 Ways to Make
Proactive Modifications of Your Classroom, teachers should organize
classroom space. Place desks and work areas facing the chalkboard and
away from windows.
● The physical layout of your classroom reflects your teaching strategy and
your personality (Shalaway, 2020). As teachers are planners, classroom
arrangement must be thought-of for the benefit of the learners and yours.

Furniture and Equipment

Arrangement of furniture and equipment in the classroom should be able to maximize

the teacher’s ability to see and be seen by all students; facilitate ease of movement
and allow an engaging space for learners to express themselves. (Bettenhausen,
1998)

In a study conducted by Ramli et al (2013) teachers and students have different

perspectives as to how the classroom setup should be. Students perceive more on
using the classroom space for fun and enjoyment. The teachers are thinking more on
the appropriate placement in line with their pedagogical approach. Both groups,
however, have the same perception that changing classroom layout and changing
furniture setting is needed.

Philippine classroom setting will give you limited choices on how furniture and
equipment should be placed, considering that classes have an average of 40 students
in a limited space.

Bettehhausen (1998) suggested the following in setting up:

● Keep students with special needs away from distractions. The student's work
space should be as far from the door, pencil sharpener, and windows as
possible.
● Be sure students can easily see presentations and displays of rules and
assignments. Place students with cognitive or behavior challenges closer to
you.

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 In addition, Linda Shallaway (2020) provided some points for a war physical layout
of a classroom;

● A classroom that is well arranged, well lighted, impacts the learning attitude of
the students, more so their moods.
● Things to consider: Desk placement, environmental preferences (know if there
are students who are allergic to flowers)
● Establish informal furniture arrangements where students can sit comfortably
and be able to see the chalkboards and the teacher without distraction.
Research supports the common-sense notion that many students pay better
attention and achieve higher grades in more comfortable settings.
● Help students become aware of their own temperature preferences.
Temperature preferences vary dramatically, and most children can't
concentrate when they are either too cool or too warm. Consider the air
ventilation provided by the windows and fans or air conditioning unit.
● Furniture like chairs and tables for demonstration must be positioned
appropriately. Shelves are best to be permanently pinned to the wall to avoid
accidents or are made to stand at the sides. (Corpuz & Salandanan, 2015)

Here are sample layout plans of a classroom:

Source: (Environmental Engineering: Arranging Your Classroom Environment For Optimal Functioning, 2020)

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 The room that you will be assigned may have modifiable or non-modifiable fixtures, it
is on your creativity how to make those aligned to your teaching strategies and
student’s preference. Also, the size of the room matters. The number of learners,
furniture and equipment should be carefully considered to create a “space” for a
conducive environment.

When designing your classroom, consider: (McIntyre, 2020)

-The age of the students (affecting the nature and size of the seating, materials
to be stored, areas needing to be developed for various activities)

-The number of students (affecting the necessary number of seats, books to

be stored, etc.)

-The activities to be conducted (Don’t think about “math” or “phonics

instruction”. Kids don’t math or phonic. They draw, construct, measure, role play,
write, etc.)

-The placement of electrical outlets, windows, door(s)

ABSTRACTION
The classroom is
second home to
most of the
students, like
any home, we
want to keep it
neat with a
warm ambience.
Each corner
serving its
purpose for

learning and

development.

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REFERENCES

A New Approach to Learning Centers | Scholastic. (n.d.). Www.Scholastic.Com. Retrieved August 21, 2020,
from https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teachingcontent/new-approach-learning-
centers/#:~:text=A%20learning%20center%20is%20typically%20a%20designated% 20area

Bettenhausen, S. (1998). Make Proactive Modifications to Your Classroom. Intervention in School and Clinic,
33(3), 182–183. https://doi.org/10.1177/105345129803300307 Campo-Stallone, N. (2020). Literacy
Centers in Photographs. Teacher.Scholastic.Com.
http://teacher.scholastic.com/literacy_centers_photos/index.html

Corpuz, B. B., & Salandanan, G. G. (2015). Principles of Teaching 1 (4th ed.). Lorimar Publishing, Inc.

Flexible Seating for a 21st Century Classroom. – Teach 21st. (2018, December 14). Teach21st.
https://teach21st.com/2018/12/14/flexible-seating-for-a-21st-centuryclassroom/

Hussain, R., & Rizvi, A. (2018). Effect of Classroom Learning Environment on Students’
Academic Achievement in Mathematics at Secondary Level. Effect of Classroom
Learning Environment on Students’ Academic Achievement in Mathematics at
Secondary Level, 40(2), 207–218. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1209817.pdf

Marzita, P., Ahmad, C., Noh, N., Mazlini, A., & Mohd Hairy, I. (2015). (PDF) The Classroom Physical
Environment and Its Relation to Teaching and Learning Comfort Level.
ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272909706_The_Classroom_Physical_Env
ironment_and_Its_Relation_to_Teaching_and_Learning_Comfort_Level

McIntyre, T. (2020). Environmental Engineering: Arranging Your Classroom Environment For Optimal
Functioning. Behavioradvisor.Com.
http://behavioradvisor.com/ClassroomDesign.html

Phillips, M. (2014, May 20). A Place for Learning: The Physical Environment of Classrooms. Edutopia; George
Lucas Educational Foundation. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/thephysical-environment-of-classrooms-
mark-phillips

Physical Arrangement of the Classroom COMPONENT. (n.d.).

https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-
binaries/61150_Chapter_1_Rohrer_10_Critical_Components_for_Success_in_the_S
pecial_Education_Classroom_2.pdf

Priceless-Teaching-Strategies.com. (2008). Why is Your Classroom Layout Important ?

Www.Priceless-Teaching-Strategies.Com. https://www.pricelessteaching-
strategies.com/classroom_layout.html#:~:text=Your%20classroom%20layout%20an
d%20classroom%20furniture%20%28e.g.%20classroom

Ramli, N. H., Ahmad, S., & Masri, M. H. (2013). Improving the Classroom Physical
Environment: Classroom Users’ Perception. Procedia - Social and Behavioral
Sciences, 101, 221–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.07.195

Shalaway, L. (2020). Classroom Organization: The Physical Environment | Scholastic. Www.Scholastic.Com.

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teachingcontent/classroom-organization-physical-
environment/#:~:text=%20Achieve%20a%20warm%2C%20wellrun%20classroom%20with%20these

TeacherVision Staff. (2007, February). Learning Centers. TeacherVision.

https://www.teachervision.com/learning-centers-0

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