Alfie Kohn is the author of the text What to Look for in a Classroom. This text is a chart that shows the reader exactly what the title says. For instance, in order to find what we should look for in a classroom, Kohn says that we should break it down. By categorizing things we should look for, it becomes a lot easier finding what is good or not so good in a classroom. For example, the first category Kohn discusses is all about furniture. He says a good classroom has open spaces where furniture is set up in a way that "facilitates classroom discussion." On the other hand, if desks are set up in rows or all facing one direction, this might be a "possible reason to worry." Kohn talks about what is on the walls next. For example, he mentions that it is a good sign when students have their artwork and other work on the wall. He also mentions that it is not the best sign when the only work on the walls is the ones belonging to the most talented students. The third category discussed by Kohn are the faces of the students. Quite simply, he says it a good sign when the students faces are eager and willing to learn, and not a good sign when their faces seem blank and bored. Next, Kohn talks about sounds. He mentions that in a classroom, it is always a good sign when you hear a frequent "hum of activity." On the other hand, it is not the best when the only voice heard is the teachers. The next area of discussion that Kohn begins to talk about is the location of the teacher. On one hand, he mentions that it a good sign when the teacher is working with students, and on the other hand he also says that it is not always the best sign when the teacher is front and center. After this, the next category is the teachers voice. It may seem obvious to the reader but Kohn still includes this information in his chart. He says that it a good sign when a teacher has a "respectful, genuine, or warm" tone. On the other hand, it is not a good sign for a teacher to have a "controlling or imperious" tone. Kohn's next idea in his chart describes the students reactions in response to visitors. For example, if students seem to be welcoming, this is a good response. On the other hand, if the students seem unresponsive to the visitor, this may be a bad sign in a classroom. In regards to class discussion, Kohn describes the best classrooms having discussion based not only on the teacher teaching. For instance, he describes how it is a good sign to see students being the ones to facilitate discussion. On the other hand, he states that it is not the best sign when it is apparent that the only one leading the discussion is the teacher. Kohn's next area of interest is simply known as "stuff." The author says that in regards to "stuff," it is a good sign to see "purposeful clutter." Kohn describes a bad sign to be a sense of "enforced orderliness." Kohn describes tasks next. He said, a good sign of classroom tasks involve many different activities or assignments going on all at the same time. It is not the best sign when students are working alone all on the same thing. Finally, Kohn's last area of discussion revolves around what is around the school. He says when a school has a welcoming environment and staff, it is a good sign. Kohn also mentions how that a not good sign would be if a school is felt to be stark or institutional.
In the video titled Introduction to Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, it was apparent that the teachers classroom setup reflected values set out by Kohn. For example, the teacher in the video had pictures on the walls of her classroom. These pictures were bright, colorful, and even of herself. This helped make her classroom feel more personable. Others posters were also important. For instance, posters showcasing human rights were on display highlighting the importance of equal treatment among everyone. The classroom in the video felt welcoming and warm. A colorful board of rules and expectations decorated the wall giving students a sense of what behavior they should have in the class. In addition to this, a board was posted in the front of the room detailing the daily schedule. Having this bright poster of the schedule front and center of the room helped highlight what activities the students had for that day. Finally, everything that was previously stated helps play an important role in the classroom. That is, these things help build a community with students. This is perhaps the most important thing to think about when setting up a classroom.
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