ANNELIES DE GROOT
Item 8:
I create an oasis of safety and respect in my classroom
Supporting Quotes
“As a teacher, it’s important to be clear - and ensure your students are clear - about your expectations for behavior” (Goodwin & Hubbell, 2013)
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“The key point here is that teachers play a key role in creating safe, positive learning environments and school climates for students.” (Goodwin & Hubbell, 2013)
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“Offering individuals an appropriate environment for thinking, and providing opportunities to express their ideas without any kind of hesitation are as much important as the necessity of individuals and expressing their ideas.” (Turabik & Gün, 2016)
​Resources
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WNET Education Site hosts many Concept to Classroom sites that provide resources on multiple learning theories and applications. This one is a website that has many helpful explanations on Constructivism, which is a theory that aides students in making deeper, passionate connections to their learning: https://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/index.html
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Stop Bullying is a government website that can be a support for educators working on creating a physically, emotionally, and mentally safe environment: https://www.stopbullying.gov/
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A safe classroom includes safety for all students, and those with Learning Disabilities are often at the receiving end of stigmas and bullying, not to mention difficulties in learning itself. Making It Stick: All About Learning Disabilities and ADHD provides explanations and resources for educators to help support those with learning Challenges: https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/study-skills/making-it-stick-memorable-strategies-enhance-learning
Application
The online classroom, in many ways, is a safer space for students than in-person classroom. One-on-one tutoring provides an intimate environment with a direct relationship between student and educator. In small group classes, there are just a few students and little interaction. This means that the classroom is tailored to their specific needs and there is no opportunity for bullying. Learning differences are catered to directly, the educator (ideally) disregards any difference in personal choices, and the student is free to engage with the information entirely as themselves. In my classroom, I make sure "I don't know" is a safe phrase, and often utilized.