Creating Culture
The learning enviornment in Career Colleges can vary so much from class to class. Some being practical hands on experience based and others traditional classrooms. I find that starting by creating a culture promoting learning, respect and safety helps to set the stage for a positive learning enviornment.
Respect: Authority in the classroom, learning process / needs of others, time, and personal contribution to educational process.
Learning: Safe zone where no question is unanswered, failures are opportunities to learn, and growth is encouraged.
Safety: All students should feel that they are safe to learn, express themselves (within standards) and personal physical safety.
Karen,
Good points about class chemistry. I believe if chemistry can be created then respect and rapport will be developed among the students as well as the instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I prefer to focus on creating and developing what I call class chemistry. I believe it is everything. All of the concerns mentioned above are ingredients to chemistry-respect, safety,learning and what I call "ownership." This also largely aids in and diminishes any classroom management that I must engage in. The classroom dynamics dictate the enthusiasm, learning and growth. It is determined by how much I can motivate the students to take ownership of their learning environment so that "our" class is one they look forward to every session.
Machuria,
Like the way you are establishing your culture of respect in the classroom. By doing so you are helping your students to acquire an essential work skill as well. Knowing how to earn and give respect will help them when they are out working. As we know the majority of job are lost or changed because of human relations.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like the idea of creating a culture in the classroom. Over the past few years, I've used incidents in the news to discuss the lack of respect that human beings aren't having for each other. I tell my students that the college has its rules, policies, and procedures that we will adhere to and implement, but I have my own number one rule that must be followed by all that enter my classroom: "I will respect you, you will respect me, and you all will respect each other". I let everyone know that they will have the highest respect for each other; if not they are not welcome in my class.
Michelle,
You have a great grasp of how to organize and manage learning in your classroom. This is how learning should occur and students grow. Keep up the good work you are doing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
