6 Ways To Build A Positive Classroom Culture
Having a positive classroom culture is one of the most important elements of a successful learning environment and thus teachers should actively work towards creating a classroom culture that encourages participation and student success.
The Wingspread Declaration on school connections states that students have more likelihood of success when they feel connected to school. When students feel that adults in the school care about them as people as well as their learning they are more likely to feel connected.
The Declaration, based on a review of research and extensive discussion, found that for this to occur, a school must provide high expectations combined with high levels of support, a focus on positive teacher-student relationships and physical and emotional safety.
When students are connected, academic performance improves, violent and destructive incidents reduce, school attendance improves and more students complete their schooling.
There is strong scientific evidence to show that feeling connected to school is a protective factor for students against disruptive and violent behaviour, mental health issues, disengagement from school, drug use and early sexual experiences.
Prefer to watch a video? Click below
Here Are 6 Ways To Build A Positive Classroom Climate So Your Students Feel Connected To School
1. Have High Expectations For Your Students
Have high expectations for your students, for their work and their behaviour. Expect that your students will do well and encourage them by letting them know that you believe in them. Provide appropriate learning support for all students.
Take a closer look at high expectations with What Does It Mean To Have High Expectations
2. Set Up Behaviour Management Processes
Behaviour management processes in your classroom should be fair and consistent, which means they are agreed upon and understood by the students. Teach students the behaviour you expect, give them opportunities to practice and use positive reinforcement.
For practical ways to do this take a look at our post, Set Up To Win The Game.
3. Focus On Building Positive Relationships
Relationships with students is a major key to positive learning outcomes for students and school culture.
Allocate time and energy to listening to your students, getting to know them and letting them get to know you. The magic ratio for positive relationships according to John Gottman the relationship expert is 5 positive interactions: 1 negative. Not sure how to do this?
Check out one of our teaching resources on Building Positive Relationships
4. Use Effective, Evidence-Based Teaching And Learning Practices
Be prepared for your classes by considering your students and how they best learn. Provide relevant and engaging curriculum, presented in interesting and student-centred ways.
The literature review Building Resilience in Children and Young People from Helen Cahill et al, states that school connectedness contributes to positive mental health outcomes for students. The pedagogical characteristics of schools that demonstrate effective connectedness are the use of cooperative learning strategies, hands-on activities and variety of instruction.
Another popular resource of interest is How To Promote Resilience In Your Students
5. Foster Positive Relationships With Parents
Postive relationships with parents is important for many reasons. However, here I refer specifically to encourage them to share your high expectations for their children, so you can work as a team to educate. Remember, parents are their children’s first teachers.
Learn more here about How To Build Relationships With Parents.
6. Encourage Positive Relationships Between Students
Model the behaviour you want to see in the way students treat each other. Use respectful language and demand a high standard of relating to one another in the classroom. Explicitly teach students social skills and give them plenty of opportunities to practice.
Read how to do this effectively; How To Run Successful Group Work
And read here for 3 steps to create a positive class culture.
Ask us about how we can help you build a positive culture in your school.
What are your favourite ways to foster a positive classroom culture?
This post is featured by Twinkl in their ‘Behaviour Management in the Classroom’ blog