Learning is not just about what we, as educators, bring to the mix but what our students bring to the mix as well. Learning is such a huge concept that has evolved from many different forms to encompassing a vast variety of styles, influences, and persona. We cannot control everything that goes into learning except for ourselves, as educators. Each day, class, student is different and we must learn to adapt and have a stance on how we want to lead the classroom to further understanding for themselves. We cannot always do the same thing day in and out since every student develops differently which adds another ripple effect to the concept of learning. We can only strive to display the moral values we hope to lead our students with that encourage a positive learning environment to grow in.
If students feel comfortable and emotionally safe in the learning environment, then they are able to fully explore learning in all aspects they are interested in because they are able to feel completely supported and encouraged in this type of environment.
I think this is a valid assessment of learning because students do not feel comfortable in any situation that is not safe for them, no matter what they are asked to do. When a student is in a learning environment that they do not feel comfortable with, they are too busy thinking about all of the outside factors that could make learning hard for them. This will diminish the students learning qualities quickly, but with a simple change as going to a school or classroom that they feel heard and safe in they can become a completely different student. When students are safe, it is easier to become happy and enthusiastic about things, which can ultimately lead to a more successful learning experience for educator and student. We, as educators, cannot make everything safe for these children, but allowing them the opportunity to explore in a safe environment at school is crucial for their development not only as a student but as a human being.
Kelly,
ReplyDeleteClearly creating a safe and comfortable learning environment is important to you as a teacher.
Will you provide two content-specific examples of how you intend to accomplish that goal?
GNA
Thanks GNA. Creating a safe and comfortable learning environment is really important to me as a teacher. I feel like students can be easily distracted and an easy thing that distracts them can be their surroundings.
ReplyDeleteTo accomplish this goal, I really want to make my students feel that they are a part of science and the Earth as a whole. I hope to first of all make my classroom very colorfully and fun-loving decorated. When doing a unit on the solar system and gravity I want to have planets hanging from the ceiling and have a space helmet on initially when they walk in day one of the unit. This way it makes things relevant but not such a "strict classroom" setting that might make them intimidated to talk and interact.
I also would want have a very informal discussion at the beginning of class, like you do, where i bring the students together and we can really just talk one on one about things to get them in the minds about learning. I will introduce small things that might spark a memory for them that is related to science and not just all about what they did with friends that weekend. That way it isn't so formal but I do get content information in there
Kelly.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great ideas. Have you considered that maybe your students might not vibe w/ your ideas re: what's fun, etc.? How would it be to ask them directly something like: hey students what are some specific ways you think we could make our classroom/learning environment fun, welcoming, and safe? Thoughts?
GNA
That is true, everything I think would be fun and exciting for class could be too "silly " or "immature" for my classroom. I will hopefully be able to learn how to tell the vibe from them in class so I can judge if they are not feeling the angle I am going at. If I am really wanting to ask them directly about their feelings, I can make a Google Form or Google Document with specific questions about how they enjoyed/felt about each lesson/activity after it is completed. I can also use a form at the beginning of the year to have them give me some specific ideas that they would enjoy learning about. There could be some examples of activities I have used to see what their thoughts or preferences are on them before we even attempt them.
ReplyDeleteAsking the students directly in a way that does not ask for them to tell me who they are will hopefully allow them to be as honest as possible about how they feel. If they are honest then the classroom experience will be as rewarding for them as they would want it to be. The classroom is about engaging and making the students enjoy the learning experience and I hope to be a teacher who is able to take advice from them and morph the classroom into something they ultimately want.