FS Episode 1

F.S. 1
The Learner’s
Development and
Environment
Episode 1: School as a Learning Environment

Name of F.S. Student: Ma. Cristina D. Panganoran

Course: BSE Major in English

Year & Section: Second Year

Resource Teacher: Mrs. Irenea P. Dizon

--------------------------------

Cooperating School: Holy Cross College (High School Department)

Instructor: Mrs. Gloria A. Silva

1. Describe the community or neighborhood where the school is found.

The school is located in the community of Sta. Lucia. The busy streets of
this community are filled with tricycle terminals. Aside from the noise of vehicles
passing by, I can say the school is far from other distracting noise. Holy Cross
College is surrounded by the community‟s different types of shops that offer
services not only to the students of HCC but also to the residents of Sta. Lucia.
The neighborhood is somehow sustainable; however, there is always room
for upgrading. Improvements can be done if school and community officials would
collaborate with each other. Concerned parents, teachers and students can also be
involved in making things move up to a new level. If this happens then probably a
better community and school can emerge.

2. Describe the school campus. What colors do you see? What is the condition
of the buildings?

The school campus is almost free from dirt and pollution. The tall trees near
the school buildings give the area a green color that is easy on the eyes. H.S.
Building #1 was recently renovated and looks safe and well-maintained. As for the
other buildings, I think it is safe to say that the status is „almost‟ in good condition.
Over-all the high school department of HCC is well-kept and has a refreshing
atmosphere.

3. Pass by the offices. What impression do you have on the offices?

As I passed by the offices, each one gave me the impression that I am
welcome. There was no feeling of intimidation or uneasiness for me. Since no one
made me feel ignored, I felt comfortable in observing and asking questions about
the conditions of all the offices and facilities on my checklist. I guess if I felt free
to visit then the students of the High School Department must also feel welcome to
address their needs in any of the offices.

4. Walk through the school halls, library & cafeteria. Look around and find
out about the other facilities that the school has.

I added more rows to my checklist on the previous page to include the other
facilities in Holy Cross College H.S. Department, aside from the original checklist
items. The H.S. department also has a faculty room located on H.S. Building #1. It
is air-conditioned and a bit teeming. I saw two computer rooms on the second floor
of GSHS Building. I didn‟t get to see it well because the rooms were locked at that
time. But I know for sure they are air-conditioned just like the faculty room. I also
checked out the DAST Office & Dean on Discipline‟s Office which were located
in H.S. Building #2. Even if the offices were not that spacious, it was cool and has
adequate lighting. A chapel is also located near the college department building
just behind H.S. Building #5.

Name of Resource Teacher: Ma‟am Irenea P. Dizon
Signature of Resource Teacher: ________________
Date of Visit: December 14, 2010

Classroom Facilities Matrix

Facilities Description

1. Wall Displays top achievers , class officers, announcements and
schedules are posted on walls; Christmas decorations are
also present

2. Teachers Table in a position where she can easily see all the students and
vice-versa

3. Learner‟s Chairs arranged in a way where students face the center of the
classroom

4. Black Board is used for clarification; located in the front of class if
they were in regular arrangement of chairs

5. Materials/ Teaching not displayed; kept in shelves and cabinet
Aids

The Classroom Visit

Posted on the walls of the classroom are the Class Officers and Top
Achievers list, exam schedules and shortened period are posted on the
announcement corner, Christmas decorations are also present. The learning
materials are kept in a cabinet and shelves for easy access.
The furniture is neatly arranged and the teacher‟s table is in a position where
she can easily see all the students and vice-versa. The chairs and tables are
arranged in a face center position. This position of chairs works great for student
presentations, demonstrations and role playing. It also creates a friendlier setting
for the students to interact.
The room is spacious, has adequate lighting, and well-ventilated. There are
thirty eight students occupying the room. Over-all the classroom I observed is
well-kept and conducive to learning.

Analysis:

1. How do the school campus and the classroom in particular, impact the
learning of the students? What are your conclusions?

The school campus and classroom impacts the learning of students
because it is the usual place where a teacher facilitates learning. For example,
if the school has an unpleasant smell, the students wouldn’t want to stay in
campus and study because they would be distracted by the awful smell and
they would only think about going home. If the classroom is also dark,
crowded and has hot temperature, then these are considered hindrances not
only for the learning process but also for the teaching method. If students are
bothered by these distractions then it is also possible that the teacher is also
unable to teach under these circumstances. I therefore conclude that the
physical condition of the learning place affects the students and teachers not
just physically but also mentally.

2. How does this relate to your knowledge of child and adolescent
development? How does it relate to your knowledge of facilitating learning?

From what I have observed, the school buildings and the surrounding
grounds such as noise, lighting and temperature affects the learning of
students. The environment should reflect the teachings imparted to the
students because it also has a fair share in shaping our learners.
For example, the classroom I visited posted the names and positions of
each class officer on a separate ‘cartolina’ and placed them up the walls on
both sides of the room. This is also one way of giving them responsibility for
keeping order and harmony in class plus they get a sense of their own role or
‘identity’ in a classroom setting.
As an elementary pupil becomes an adolescent, their physical
environment needs to change from colorful pictures to top achievers bulletin
board. This distinguishes development in a learner.
Next is on facilitating learning, we all know that the school environment
and classrooms need to be conducive to learning. This is where learning
happens, so these places must have the necessary facilities and space needed
for maximum interaction between students and teachers and also socialization
and teamwork among students.
With the absence of distractions and environmental hassles, the teacher
can easily create a classroom climate that is conducive to learning. If a
classroom and campus is in the ideal state, then there would be fewer worries
for teachers in making the learning experience easier and fun. The physical
condition of the learning place also matters in facilitating learning.

Reflection:

1. Do you like to teach in the school environment you just observed? Why?
Why not?

I guess it is okay for me to teach in the school I observed because first of all,
I am already familiar with the place, and somehow it possesses a few good traits
and qualities. It may not be as well-equipped as other schools but HCC already has
something going on. Yes, there is always room for improvement of facilities but
it‟s in my nature to never back down on a challenge. I enjoy fulfilling the goals I
set for myself whether it is long or short term goals. If I am destined to teach in
Holy Cross then I will gladly take the opportunity and enjoy the profession of my
choice.

2. What kind of campus is conducive to learning?

A campus that is conducive to learning is one that is safe, clean, noise free
and one that is concerned with the development of a student in every aspect,
physically, psychologically and spiritually. The community where the school is
located also impacts the atmosphere of a campus. If the community is not peaceful
for classes to take place then even if the campus is clean and well-equipped the
safety of everyone in the campus comes first. So if one aspect is missing, then the
good balance for a functional learning campus is gone. Every campus should at
least possess all these qualities.

3. What kind of classroom is conducive to learning?

I have learned from previous classes that a classroom must be business-like
yet non-threatening. It is where people have respect for each other and do not
discriminate based on differences. Well, that is just for the psychological part.
Now the physical aspect of the learning environment that is conducive to learning
is one that is clean, organized, well-lit & ventilated and ofcourse spacious. It must
also be free from noise or at least block the outside noise. All distractions are non-
existent or reduced for a better atmosphere in acquiring knowledge.

4. In the future, how can you accomplish your answer in number 3?

For the psychological part, I will first set my rules clearly on the first day of
class. I must know the limit of being friendly to the students for both our benefits. I
will be fair in handling any situation and will not let anything cloud my judgment.
For the physical environment, I will encourage my students to be responsible
for keeping the classroom clean and in order. I will make sure my class is free from
distractions. I will see to it that the room is well-lit and in ideal temperature.

5. Write your additional learning and insights here.

In this activity, I learned the negative and positive effects of computer shops
that are near to the school. From what I have observed whenever I enter computer
shops to get any of my projects printed out, the ones playing video games are
mostly students. It is seldom seen that these students would be researching for their
projects or term papers.
It is sad and unfortunate that they spend hours playing but less or even no
studying habits at all. With the advantages for other students like me who need to
print out projects or research on the internet there are also disadvantages for
students who are addicted in playing online games.
Maybe someday HCC can have their equipment for researching, printing and
photocopying like in U.P. so they can control these shops surrounding the school.
There is actually a rule in Diosdado Macapagal High School that computer shops
are not permitted to be too near to their campus.
I also learned that the school must provide a healthy environment. Not only
for the comfort of students but also for a more perceptive purpose of giving them a
good foundation. With the hope of someday, they will all be able to live as
productive and knowledgeable citizens of the country.

My Personal Illustration of an Effective School Environment

“In my opinion an effective school environment must be safe, clean, noise
free and no distractions.”

As I enter the gate, there are welcoming guards; there is a path which is in a
very good distance from the busy streets leading to the well-kept buildings. As I
walk through the path I pass by some tall trees and freshly cut green grass. I still
have more time before my class so I‟ll drop by the spacious gymnasium to see
some of my friends practicing basketball for the coming intramurals some of them
are sitting on the well-made bleachers. I felt hungry so I went to the cafeteria to
get a nutritious meal. All the servers are in proper food handling attire and are very
accommodating. After I ate breakfast I still have time to visit the library to read
ahead before class starts. The library has a wide variety of reading materials and
has many chairs and tables to have room for all the students. The library is very
quiet that I easily read the chapter with comprehension and no distractions. At last
it is time for class; I sat around the back because we are in an alphabetical sitting
arrangement. Even if I was at the back I can still hear and see the teacher well
because of the organized arrangement of desks and teacher‟s table. The rooms
where we have classes on have adequate space and lighting plus it is free from
interruptions. As I go on my way home I think to myself, “I learned a lot in class
today and I‟m glad that this school is very effective in developing my knowledge
and well being.”

A Narration by: Ma. Cristina D. Panganoran

FS Episode 1

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FS Episode 1