I believe that we have to create the atmosphere,
the procedures, the norms, the expectations, the demands etc. within
our classrooms that we would like to see outside our classrooms. In
other words, our teaching/learning environment should reflect the
values to which the society aspires. For example, we should teach
freedom of choice by helping students choose wisely from a variety of
options and allow that choice to have real consequences within the
learning environment. This does not simply mean a choice between
answering question A or B. If we want to teach respect for others,
the classrom should be a place where all of us are respected.
Although this may seem obvious, it can best be
achieved by preparing ourselves and our students for this
approach.
Below you will find a number of ideas for
establishing this type of environment:
With your students establish classroom policy at
the beginning of the year by discussing, defining, refining and
accepting the conclusions from the following issues:
- Tell your students they way you see your role.
Outline your needs honestly and make them aware of your
sensitivities.
- Ask them how they would like to learn, how
they learn best and what they dislike more than anything else
about being in school. Ask them to establish codes of behavoiur
that you and they will feel comfortable with.
- The subject of class norms can be initiated in
many different ways - groupwork, questionaires, rating activities
etc.
Activity:
Are you a good listener? (Activity used by Gerry
Crzic CELTT 99, Ohio University)
Divide students into pairs; student A and student
B. Give a note to each member of the pair which they must not show
their partner. Tell them to carry out the instructions they have been
given.
Student A
gets a note which says: "Tell your partner about a fight you once had
with a friend. Talk about it until the teacher tells every one to
stop."
Student B
gets a note which says: Your friend will tell you something about
themselves. Show little interest. Look away a lot. Be bored. Don't
over do your reactions."
Other student
Bs will get a note which says: "Your friend
will tell you something about themselves. Show real interest. Look at
them and ask for details. Don't over do your reactions."
Discuss how students A felt. (This is a chance to
list teach adjectives.) Why?
Let your students try to recall with whom they
enjoy talking the most and why. I'm sure that it will become clear
that people feel good and enjoy expressing their ideas when they feel
respected, relaxed, unthreatened etc. How can that atmosphere be
achieved in the classroom:
Teach student discourse markers for conversation in groups and
encourage them to use them:
- You have a good point, but I tend to
feel...
- Would you repeat your last point, I didn't
understand it exactly....
- I agree with you on the first point you made
but I have reservations about the second point...
- I'm afraid, I think you are
mistaken.
Beginning of the year activity (Activity used by Gerry Crzic CELTT
99, Ohio University)
In groups get students to explain the origin of
their names or any curiosity regarding their names). They report back
to the class about what they learned about others. It is interesting
to note that students learn a lot about each other in this activity.
(Hebrew song: "Lekol is yesh shem"- "Every person has a
name")
I would appreciate it if you have ideas for creating a respectful
classroom that others could use.
Share your ideas and experience
with me and I'll add it to the ideas that appear here. Write in the
box below and when you are finished, click on the Submit button.
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