My Ideal Classroom

My ideal classroom is based solely around the idea of community. I believe that a classroom with a tight community outlook allows children to feel more comfortable in not only expressing themselves, but in learning as well. I think this is true for ESL learners as well. These children feel sometimes as being isolated from the rest of the group, but if the class is more of a whole, it gives them the chance to be more involved and learn. I would also want these children to be comfortable with me. In my ideal classroom, I would be able to understand all of the student's different cultures and backgrounds. I liked the idea Joellen Maples discussed in her article. I think giving parents their own homework will not only allow you to learn more about the children, but also give them the idea that you expect them to be involved. In my ideal classroom everyone, including me, will assess themselves often. It will help us all realize better what we need more work in. The students can share these thoughts in personal notebooks in order for me to understand how and what they are thinking. Included in their responses would also be the subjects they feel strong in. In my ideal classroom, the students will have great confidence in themselves and their ability to learn.
I realize that this classroom may seem only possible in a perfect world, but I believe with the right tools and knowledge, I could make it happen. I would like to learn in this class how to help build strong communities within a classroom. I would like to be exposed to different ideas on how to build student's confidence and how to involve parents and ALL students more. I would like to learn about this not only in the classroom but also observe it first hand in the classroom. I also would like to know more about self assessment. How exactly can we assess ourselves fairly? As it is stated in the syllabus I also expect to be taught how to recognize myself as a learner. I feel that this will help in all areas of my ideal classroom.