SteveYi
A positive classroom community is an extraordinary pleasure for all teachers who desire to teach students without the constant threat of classroom disruption and chaos. The objective is to provide a quality education accompanied by the development of great character.
Any honest education will admit that the state of classroom community is incredibly significant. Lack of unity in vision and value among students will result in constant conflicts and confusion. Teachers who find themselves trying to handle contentious behavior on a regular basis will experience gradual burnout.
Obstacles to Classroom Community
In many schools across America, the lack of classroom unity is a result of educator indifference and complacency of administration. However, for other educators, the urgency of coverage gets in the way of the time and patience it takes to create strong community.
Nevertheless, creating a dynamic classroom is certainly possible. Having been a teacher for over 25 years, I am wise enough to admit that developing a positive academic perception among students starts on the first day of school.
Prerequisites for teaching positivity to students:
Appreciating all you students, without respect of person, is the doorway in which you, the educator, will let them know that you love them and care about their academic success. Students gravitate both in attitude and spirit toward teachers who genuinely appreciate them.
You must realize that creating community in the classroom will not be easy. There will be many ups and downs. Sometimes you may feel that you are on the treadmill of stagnation. Initially, resistance may be strong. Hold students accountable without reservation. The mavericks will challenge you but patience with lovingkindness will pay off, significantly.
Developing Structure
Establishing rules and Introducing values that that build community must be top priority from the first day of class. Many young teachers completely ignore this fact. They believe that it is alright to wait until the next day to take authority.
However, such approach is a mistake. In my first two years of teaching, I struggled greatly in classroom management because I was not convinced that I needed to show authority the first school day. Refuse to make such a mistake.
Introduce rules and values the same day. Some of the most effective values I have found includes:
- Self-Control
- Responsibility
- Courage to share ideas.
- Respect for Classmates
- Respect for the Ideas of Others
- Safety and Security
- Honesty
- Power of Apologies and Forgiveness
- Desire for Excellence
- Imagination and Creativity
- Productivity Oriented-gets seatwork and homework down on time.
These values, if reinforced daily, will go a long way in helping educators to create a positive classroom community.
The Educator’s Primary Goal
Your goal as an educator is to commit to bringing the best out in your students. Make positive connections with your pupils all day long. Start and end of day discussions and self-examinations are a plus.
Foster a sense of belonging and achievement. The dominate attitude in the classroom should be one of encouragement and motivation among students and teacher.
Hold students accountable for not staying in alignment with values but always promote a positive community. Create and introduce interesting lesson plans. Fill the learning environment with passionate teaching.
Positive classroom community is established via love, patience, and diligence. During the first two years, creating a great learning environment may be tough. But each year after that, things get easier as you gain experience and begin to master the methodology.
Daily reminders and reinforcement are necessary in the beginning. Many teachers along with students put up posters around the room or create weekly value-oriented displays that enhance the positivity within the classroom environment.
