Describe an ideal classroom.

     Q:  Describe an ideal classroom.
     A:   I believe an ideal classroom is composed of five basic elements.  These include 1) Learning occurs best when the development of positive attitudes and perceptions is made part of every learning task.  2) Knowledge is best learned by making connections between what is known and what is to be learned.  I always want my students to understand what it is to construct meaning.  3) I believe that for learning to be effective and meaningful, students should be provided with opportunities to use knowledge in practical situations – that is, opportunities to apply that knowledge.  4) We know that in an ideal classroom students learn best when they need knowledge to accomplish a goal they consider important.  This often involves problem-solving, decision-making, and inquiry-based learning.  And 5) in that ideal classroom, teachers can help students develop the mental habits that will enable them to learn on their own.  Critical thinking activities and metacognitive practices help ensure this.  While these five principles are all part of that ideal classroom, they are also goals or aspirations I see for myself and my students.  That ideal classroom may not always be achievable, but it can certainly be a realistic goal.

            Demonstrate your knowledge of educational principles and practices that can be part of every teacher’s classroom.  Detail those items and show how they can serve as goals for your future classroom.  The interviewer wants to know two things: 1) What’s good teaching; and 2) What kind of teaching will you practice?

What is your philosophy of classroom discipline?

   Q:  What is your philosophy of classroom discipline?

   A:   I would want to establish a specific set of rules for students to follow.  This set of rules would be designed to create a sense of order and comfort so that teaching and learning can take place.  But, in order for the rules to be effective, I know they need to be built on some very basic principles.  These principles would include 1) Students should have a sense of ownership of the rules – they should be invited to contribute a set of expectations about classroom behavior.  2) Classroom rules should always be framed in positive terms.  Instead of “Don’t hit people,” I would say ‘Respect other people.”  Instead of “No talking when someone else is talking,” I would say, “Take turns talking.”  3) I would make sure all students understand the classroom rules through concrete examples, specific anecdotes, and personal stories.  And, 4) I would make sure my classroom rules were consistent with school rules.  Above all, my classroom discipline policy would be structured on a set of rules that would be communicated in clearly defined terms and language students understand, provide the specific rationale or reason for a rule, and offer concrete examples of each rule as I would want it practiced.

            Discipline is one of the most important concerns in schools today.  You should definitely plan on being asked a “discipline question” at some time during the interview.  Your response should be carefully crafted in terms of specificity and purpose.  The more detailed you are in your response the better you will be viewed by the interviewers.  Never talk in generalities when responding to this query.  Be precise!

INSIDER TIP:      Always think about the interviewer and gear your responses toward her or his concerns.  If you can demonstrate how your talents or experiences can address one or more of her or his concerns you will always come across as an interesting candidate as well as a first-rate teacher.  Be outwardly oriented and you’ll always have a successful interview.