The research that I have been reading so far regarding creating positive classroom environments all continue to have one very critical thing in common: relationships. Whether the articles discuss ways to create positive meaningful relationships with students individually or about ways to foster a positive whole school community, connection between teacher and student is at the forefront of that conversation. Furthermore, it is emphasized that these relationships cannot be expected to arise on their own, creating a positive relationship should be intentional. Often, we may assume that because a group of people are all in the same place and doing the same thing, that they will have a connection, but that is not the case. In order to build a relationship with someone we have to make an effort to learn about them, to ask them about themselves, to do things together, and to break down potential barriers that may separate us. What I am learning through my readings is that in order to create a positive classroom environment I will need to find different ways to get through to my students, not only in academic terms, but on personal terms.
As I continue through this program I am slowly taking things that I like and things that I do not like from my teachers. In particular, I am collecting game and activity ideas that get at exactly that- building relationships. Some of them are simply about getting to know names, and some are more directed at getting to know more about personality types and hobbies, but they are fun and they really do get at the point of getting to know each other. To put this into practice, I am considering using these sorts of games during my first day of practicum with each of my classes. As discussed with my school advisors, the major part of the first day with my classes will be spent on getting to know each other instead of subject content. I also think it would be good to use these sorts of activities as “brain breaks,” as an opportunity to have students move around and refresh their minds for the remainder of the lesson.
Building relationships with students is just one part of having a positive classroom environment. A lot of the research also highlights the importance of a cohesive school community with common goals and expectations and with a staff that supports one another in the creation of a safe and supportive space. Hopefully later further research will contain more on this macro-level of school community and examples of the current programs that are being used in some schools.
dawn allen
January 17, 2017 — 7:09 pm
Great to read this attention to relationships. Secondary schools are, I believe, particularly susceptible to having teachers who are more interested in their subject matter than they are in their students. Some of the best teachers are passionate about both their subject of expertise and their ability to understand, engage, and motivate their students. Not an easy goal but a very worthy one!