Manufacturing Meaningful Classrooms

by Kate Ye

(99+) Manufacturing Meaningful Classrooms | Kate M Ye - Academia.edu

May 2023

"The classroom that is an authentic social community fosters the adult's continuous development as a teacher, even as it fosters the children's continuous development as competent communicators. Contrary to popular belief, each teacher can play a pivotal role in many levels of a student ‘s life, regardless of age. " Lindfors, J. W. (1991). Children’s language and learning. Allyn and Bacon. Sometimes, children do not have a home to go back to, but an empty house that they walk into after school. These students at the end of the school day are filled with new knowledge ideas and stories from their day at school, but they don’t have anyone to share it with when they get home. In some cases, these students may find an avenue to address this in a healthy alternative, such as extra circular activities, after-school programs, or the boys and girls club. Oftentimes, they process these new experiences by harnessing a loved hobby. Unfortunately, some fall into unhealthy habits to mask the desire to express themselves. Some are not fortunate enough to have a family present at home to have discussions with, especially in those formative years of childhood. From my experience, the same responsibility of teaching adults in a k-12 are the same. Students who come from their home country which they have grown accustomed to, had to leave what’s familiar to them behind in order to pursue their aspirations here in the States. Their goal in their new environment is to hopefully build new enjoyable and enriching experiences. All of my students have had, and are currently creating a brand new chapter for their lives. As they begin to forge their way into their new identity as international students, it’s quite evident that each student struggles to find a smooth transition into their new environment here in Los Angeles. More often than not, these students arrive in the States, they are left to fend on their own with the same resources they came in the country with. When provided with a welcoming classroom environment, the efforts of teachers and administrators are rewarded with positive results in and out of the classroom in immeasurable ways. Building a classroom which prioritizes open communication is a key component to transitioning students to start their learning endeavors. The type of environment the classroom provides hopefully will enable students to feel confident in space, often their only space, where they are able to share their joys, sorrows and lessons that they’ve picked up in and out of school. I strongly believe that it’s imperative as teachers and administrators to provide a safe environment for students for them to feel comfortable as if the few hours they spend in school feel like a place they can call a second home.

School usually lasts around eight hours a day for a student K through 12. Similarly, my student's experience in the classroom is around four to six hours a day. Coming into the classroom with a language and culture barrier- completely unfamiliar with their new surroundings, it is important to build a setting for students to feel at ease. Oftentimes, my adult students are left with many hours by themselves, attempting to recreate new ways of comfort and understanding in a county that they barely know about. The American customs, traditions, and cultures we are so used to, has been suddenly thrown on them on day one of arriving in the US, leaving with mixed feelings of confusion and curiosity. In comparison, we all have been quite accustomed to the ways of living in our communities. To buy groceries or ask for directions may seem like a simple task for natives, but my students are faced with these challenges that we simply call a routine. Students might be fortunate enough to cultivate friendships and a community around them that is welcoming right away. Oftentimes this is the case, as America is known as for its multicultural melting pot, full of diverse cultures thriving together. However, this is not the case for some. The process of daily living for our adult English learners can be quite taxing for them to simply live day to day. Every day, these students are trying to find their path in this place where they aspire to one day ground their roots. I encourage others to recognize that it is a privilege and duty as a teacher to create a safe space to help harness and educate students, thereby ensuring an enriching experience for all. When students have been instilled with a certain level of self-efficacy in the class, it is evident in their personal life that they have been well equipped with a strong sense of self awareness and a thirst for more knowledge and new experiences. Building this kind of environment is highly beneficial for educational development, self-efficacy, and hope for more growth. A classroom with welcoming leaders could create new journeys for individuals or even shut the doors entirely that were readily available to them. To leave with some closing thoughts, is the determining factor of a successful classroom based on how well students are performing in test scores? How many facts they can provide in an essay? How can we re-create the classroom to become a place for our ESL students, so they are comfortable enough to use and ask for the available means necessary in achieving their goals and aspirations?