I believe that teaching does not mean that the person passes knowledge to those who do not have knowledge.  Rather, I feel that education is an interactive process where children are able to build upon previous understanding and are aided by each other as well as the teacher in furthering their abilities.  Einstein once said that “imagination is more important than knowledge.”  Teachers are responsible for creatively designing a learning environment that allows children to discover knowledge through inquiry.  Critical thinking is necessary for information to be transferred from short term memory to long term memory.  Children need meaningful experiences and need to learn how to learn in order to form meaningful connections in learning. 

            An effective classroom community runs independently.  The community understands the classroom expectations and is able to take the initiative to learning.  I think organization of the classroom is dependent upon the classroom dynamics.  Every child is different and will bring a different climate to the classroom as a whole.  I do not think the teacher needs to be the center of attention, nor that the teacher is the only person  capable of giving help in the classroom.  Children need to see their classmates as one of the many learning resources available to them.  The class usually has about twenty teachers at a time (if you include the students).  By giving children choices and responsibility, the children can feel empowered to learn.  There should be multiple types of grouping for instruction, including whole-class instruction, three-to-four-person group work, and individual work. 

            I believe that most management issues are solved by several principles.  First, teacher is responsible for making sure that the expectations are clear and reasonable.  Secondly, many management issues can be solved by forming a good rapport with the students.  When the teacher has formed a relationship with each of the students, the teacher is more likely to maintain control of the classroom.  Thirdly, it is not the teacher’s job to punish or to reward the students, but rather to direct and redirect them.  The teacher needs to understand the motives to the children’s behavior and address the issue to the best of his or her ability by highlighting the children’s strengths and aiding in their weaknesses.