Classroom Vital Signs Checklist
Use our research-based classroom climate assessment tool to check the pulse of your classroom. You can use it repeatedly to gain feedback on your classroom and improve the classroom climate.
Why does classroom climate matter?
Classroom climate encompasses the social, emotional, and physical aspects of the learning environment. It includes the moods, attitudes, and tone of interactions between instructors and students, as well as among students themselves. A positive classroom climate is crucial for effective learning. Teachers play a significant role in shaping the classroom climate by organizing the physical space, setting the tone for interactions, and implementing strategies that promote positive relationships.
What are the consequences of a negative climate?
Negative classroom climates occur when teachers display anger, express their frustration, use sarcasm, make disrespectful comments to students, or use threats to coerce students to behave in a certain way.
In these situations, students are more likely to shut down, withdraw and disengage. This could lead to an increase in disruptive behavior in the classroom or feign illness. Ultimately, students lose respect for the teacher and the overall education system.
Teachers can cultivate a positive classroom climate by promoting positive relationships with and among students by:
Showing mutual respect.
We see this in the classroom when the teacher and students demonstrate a respectful and warm attitude toward each other in all verbal and non-verbal communication.
Maintaining clear expectations and following established routines.
We see this in the classroom when expectations are established, and routines are followed which allow students to self-regulate their behavior.
Ensuring Student-Focused Instruction.
We see this in the classroom when instruction is culturally responsive, student interests are highlighted, and students are given some autonomy and choice regarding the lesson’s content. Students are engaged in the process of learning because the lessons are meaningful and enjoyable.
Creating an Optimum Learning Environment.
We see this in the classroom when students express their curiosity, play with new concepts, openly question or discuss common assumptions underlying a specific topic as well as the educational process. This can occur when teachers carefully craft questions that facilitate debates and discussions among students.