Physical Environment:
The physical environment in the classroom consisted of groups of tables facing the blackboard or perpendicular to the blackboard. The projector sat in the middle of the room, and quiz questions were put up in the beginning of class so the students could easily see them and complete them. There was a special location for the dividers that provided confidentiality for the quiz, an also for assignments to be turned in. There are a lot of posters adorning the walls and blackboard, which contain information vital for composition, and to hold information about some of the books they have been working on.
Curricular Environment:
The students were presenting week in a portfolio that they have been completing over the duration of their Holocaust unit. It was clear that they have received instruction in some of the elements of poetry, what makes a political cartoon funny, and they shared their work aloud. I didn't see any English textbooks, but as the class went over the structure of a 5 paragraph essay, they pulled out notes that they had taken in an earlier class. Next Friday, we will be in the computer lab, working on the first of three essays that will culminate the Holocaust Unit.
Human Environment:
Several students looked to be from diverse cultural backgrounds, but did not display any signs that they may be struggling with any linguistic issues. Some students seemed chatty with their seating buddies, and the group in general seemed lively and willing to participate.
