Holley, L. C., & Steiner, S. (2005). Safe Space: Student perspectives on classroom environment. Journal of Social Work Education, 41(1), 49-64. https://doi.org/10.5175/JSWE.2005.200300343
This article highlights the importance of creating a space where students feel empowered and safe. Often referred to as “safe spaces,” this article extends this thinking to describe how important it is to make students feel ‘safe(r) and brave(r)’ spaces (2005). Holly & Steiner explain that ‘safer and braver’ spaces can be created when there are clear ground rules for discussion, modelled respect for others’ opinions, and participants behaved in a non judgmental way (2005). Building a ‘safer and braver’ classroom helps students become empowered learners. Ideas and frameworks from this article will be helpful for my final project as my partner and I look at ways to foster teacher confidence in the classroom. By creating safer and braver spaces, both learners and educators will feel more comfortable sharing their learning journeys.