Criteria 7 Promote a collaborative, inclusive and supportive learning environment

Promote a collaborative, inclusive and supportive learning environment

Indicators:

·         Demonstrate effective management of the learning setting which incorporates successful strategies to engage and motivate students

·         Foster trust, respect and cooperation with and among students

How does my teaching practice promote an environment where learners feel safe to explore ideas and respond respectfully to others in the group?

Reflective Statement:

·        Being positive

·        Treaty of Waitangi

·        Providing positive feedback both verbally and written

·        Ensuring lessons are interesting, interactive and challenging

·        Being honest and upfront with students

·        Allowing all students the opportunity to voice opinions

·        Being a good listener

How does my teaching practice promote an environment where learners feel safe to explore ideas and respond respectfully to others in the group?

I have always been an honest and open teacher who expects to be treated the by the way I treat others. I also expect this to filter down into the classroom environment. 

As a class we have regular dialogue and conversations where we share opinions and thoughts about various topics. Because we share on a regular basis students feel safe and confident to share and listen to others. Student's work and targets is presented and displayed around the classroom to promote a welcoming environment. Another way to promote success in the classroom is the Sticker Chart , the tick chart and whanau phone homes.

I have a reading ladder which represents the reading colours/levels for Year 2 where students names climb up when they improve in their reading levels. Similarly I have a writing level display which is represented by lily pads where students jump to the next level to show their progress.

We are a collective and have interactive and open discussions when issues arise either behavioural, emotional or school based. It is important to clear and discuss any issues as soon as they arise to ensure a safe a learning environment for all. - Phone homes, newsletters.

I endeavour to build up a trust by constantly engaging and interacting with students, having one on one chats to those who maybe don’t interact or are shy to share with others. - Writing targets/books

By acknowledging and respecting the Treaty of Waitangi and what it represents – fairness, equality, equity and beliefs can make for a safe learning environment and workplace. Having set beliefs that are created and understood by the class can help ensure an empathetic and understanding classroom. The classroom treaty has been developed and created to uphold these values. The treaty was send home also for whanau to have at home.

I have implemented different topics to engage my learners in different ways.
For example in Topics/Science I have introduced live tadpoles into the classroom. This enhanced not just students scientific knowledge but also it boosted their writing skills also because students wanted to share what they had learnt about tadpoles.