Week 10 - 11 Revision

Question 1

Physical learning space

Answer 1

The ideal physical learning space is approx. 3.5 feet per person. Any less, students
can feel threatened. Any wider and they can feel isolated

Question 2

Lighting

Answer 2

Some researchers argue that harmful lighting i.e. florescent, can drain energy (jet lag
effect) and can encourage seizures in children

Question 3

Natural light

Answer 3

A range of studies suggest that students in classrooms with natural light perform up to
20% better in tests than those in classrooms with little natural light

Question 4

Paint colours

Answer 4

warm’ colours raise blood pressure in students, while ‘cool’ colours lower it

Question 5

Room arrangement principles

Answer 5

• Use the room arrangement that facilitates your teaching style and doesn’t impede it
• Ensure high traffic areas are open and not congested
• Ensure clear lines of sight between students and teachers
• Have frequently used teaching materials and supplies readily available and
  accessible

Question 6

Noise

Answer 6

Unwanted sound is noise and can engender a physical response (distraction) and a
psychological response (welcome or unwelcome - discomfort)
Every classroom has different levels of noise. The ideal speaking volume for a teacher
is around 40dB. Having to speak at 45 or 50dB creates stress, irritation and fatigue
Importance of vocal health (fluid intake) as teachers can speak up to 6.3 hours per
day (Marsh, 2010) – Take a bottle of water with you on your first prac

Question 7

Temperature

Answer 7

Not all schools have aircon / heaters. Be aware of ‘temperature stress’

Question 8

Seating

Answer 8

Comfortable seating is important. Uncomfortable seats can lead to negative attitudes
and lack of concentration

Question 9

Do smaller class sizes have a positive effect on younger children

Answer 9

yes

Question 10

School culture: Two definition

Answer 10

1. The beliefs, perceptions, relationships, attitudes, and written and unwritten
   rules that shape and influence every aspect of how a school functions
2. Concrete states such as the physical and emotional safety of students, the
   orderliness of classrooms and the degree to which the school embraces
   and celebrates concepts such as equity and diversit

Question 11

Culture

Answer 11

Culture is based upon deep seated whole school values, and focuses on shared
assumptions, shared meanings and shared beliefs – what the school stands for

Question 12

Climate

Answer 12

Climate is based upon teacher and student perceptions or personal experiences, and
emphasizes the shared perceptions of those within the organization – how it feels

Question 13

Functions of schools

Answer 13

How to succeed?
How to accept failure?
How to persevere?
How to get along with others?
How to work collaboratively?

Question 14

Developing positive relationships

Answer 14

• Take advantage of opportunities to speak to students in a one-to-one relationship
• Conduct an interest inventory
• Employ ‘get-to-know-you’ activities that emphasize uniqueness
• Observe the students
• Share yourself evenly among the students
• Test yourself by learning student names as quickly as possible
• Let students get to know you – you are a person first and a teacher second

Question 15

Single sex v coeducational schools

Answer 15

• Argument for and against are based around underachievement and disadvantage
• Growing concern over boys underachievement compared with girls
• Growing concern over girls disadvantage in some academic areas
• Evidence that boys are more willing share emotions in a single sex environment
• Evidence that girls benefit in stereotypically male areas of maths and science
• However, teaching practices need to be adjusted accordingly

Question 16

Private v public schools

Answer 16

• Rise of low-fee paying private schools (until recently). Factors cited by parents include:
  1) Better discipline
  2) Smaller classes
  3) More individual attention given to students

Question 17

Standard teacher career pathway (based upon the AITSL standards

Answer 17

Graduate proficient accomplished lea

Question 18

Stress

Answer 18

• Dealing with bureaucratic structures
• Continuous change and evaluation of its outcomes
• Intense interpersonal interactions with students and the school community
• Student behavior issues (Fetherston, 2006)
• Perceived low status of the profession

Question 19

Burnout

Answer 19

In extreme cases, burnout can occur: 1) emotional exhaustion, 2) depersonalization,
3) reduced personal accomplishment – feelings of failure and excessive tiredness

Question 20

Government schools

Answer 20

• Largest sector (around 60%)
• Mix of centrally appointed and IPS (Independent Public Schools)
• Includes a range of selective schools i.e. Perth Modern (academic focus)

Question 21

Catholic schools

Answer 21

• Second largest sector
• Range from low – high fee paying
• Range from systemic schools (high % of govt funding) to schools based around
  religious orders (i.e. St Norberts, Mercy sisters)

Question 22

Independent schools

Answer 22

• Non-government schools, often associated with a religion i.e. Anglican, Uniting
• Range from low – high fee paying (PSA) schools

Question 23

Policy

Answer 23

All teachers need to be registered with the various teacher registration boards in their
respective states -Teachers Registration Board TRBWA
It is a TRB requirement that you undertake ongoing PD to maintain your registration
More than that, ongoing PD is about stimulation, curiosity, and staying both current and
fresh

Question 24

TRBWA

Answer 24

The TRBWA is the body responsible for the registration of teachers in Western
Australia and registers all teachers, from Early Childhood to Year 12, who teach in a
Western Australian educational venue.
The TRBWA is also responsible for the accreditation of initial teacher education
programs in WA.