Journal #4: How will you know when learning is taking place?

Some say that engaging instruction is the best form of classroom management – How will you structure your classroom so that you know when learning is taking place and when it is not?  What are the signs of each?

It's important to note that engaging instruction means engaged students.  Students won't engage unless the environment is safe to do so.  So when it comes to structuring the classroom, I'll make sure my classroom is a safe place for students to speak their minds and take risks.  As an English teacher, I intend to utilize drama, role-playing, and group work to make sure every child participates and interacts with the material.  From there, I'll know if a child is learning when that child accurately portrays a part, reacts reasonably to a scenario, or contributes meaningfully to their group work.