The Effect of Teacher Language on Creating a Productive Learning Environment and Shaping the Identities of Children in the Elementary Classroom

Abstract

My capstone essay focuses on the importance of effective teacher language in the classroom and its affect on shaping positive student identities. Specific language, tone, attitude, and behavior that focus on positively reminding, redirecting, and reinforcing students are essential factors that influence the intellectual and emotional development of a child. First, I will focus on learners and learning by exploring how theories concerning the development of children correspond with the language teachers' use in the classroom. Interactions between children and adults fundamentally shape and mold children's identities as learners. Positive, caring language which strengthens individuals and builds a community creates a safe and productive learning environment. Specifically I focus on the importance of the teacher's tone and behavior which not only serve as a model for appropriate behavior, but also emphasizes genuine interest and concern for the well-being of each individual. In curriculum and instruction, I call upon researchers whose findings emphasize the importance of instructing children using reminding, redirecting language. Finally, my paper focuses on alternative, authentic assessment which allows students to present knowledge through different learning styles and modalities. Through positive feedback and observation teachers should emphasize the process of learning rather than the final outcome of a test.