A Positive Classroom Climate

Creating a Positive Climate for the Classroom: 

Dealing with bullying and enhancing learning

By: Christian Bousquet

5/3/2016

One important aspect of the classroom is to make sure students are comfortable when they are in school. I still remember my first day of high school like it was yesterday. I had not one clue what to expect, it was kids from two other middle schools I have never seen before. Would they like me? Would I fit in? Am I going to be an outcast? My mind was racing with hundreds of thoughts and worries. For other students they might not just have those thoughts but other factors that can cause a student to worry such as; family issues, economic status, bullying. That is why as educators it is important to create a positive classroom climate so students can feel welcome. I think there are two major factors in this process; developing positive relationships with students and addressing bullying. Throughout this post pertaining to those two factors we will discuss strategies that we must implement.

Classroom set up and structure
The way a classroom is in appearance and how it is structured can greatly affect a school. Classrooms should be a place in which students not only feel welcomed, but that the set up shows a caring environment and is student-centered. One aspect I have studied and discussed since starting this program was classrooms that are set up for student-centered learning. The best example I have seen of this is my AVID class set up. We had two big tables put together for desks in which there were eight of us and we had discussions constantly. This is the exact example they discuss in the article Critical Practices for Anti-bias Education. Another strategy that will enhance positive classroom climate is creating student jobs. These jobs can be something as minimal as passing out materials or something as important as a peacemaker to deal with bullying. They have the ability to move up with good outcomes, also teaching real world experience. It creates trust and accountability for the students and their class.

Speaking up and responding to prejudice, bias and stereotypes
We must show leadership through example as educators. To do this we must be leaders against issues of bullying, slurs, and stereotypes. This not only pertains to students and parents but also colleagues that might have these tendencies. Teachers that choose to fight against discrimination and exclusion support safe space for diverse members of the group. One strategy that I would like to implement is always being on top of intervention of bullying. In the article Anti-bias education it states that only 14 percent of teachers intervene in bullying in the class while 4 percent deal with it outside of class. However dealing with bullying should be a number one priority, it makes students feel comfortable learning. I also believe having visual symbols like "hate free zone posters" and "no one is illegal" are important to show the commitment to a safe class. A safe and positive class only helps students, the opposite hinders.

Social and emotional safety
The most important aspect of the classroom that not only creates a positive classroom climate but also addresses bullying is social and emotional safety. In the Anti-bias journal they state the research shows that students need to feel both physically and emotionally safe in order to learn. Some important components of this notion are as follow; active teaching of social-emotional skills, bullying prevention and intervention, meaningful conflict resolution. Along with other aspects similar to this we need to focus on these techniques in order to achieve success in the classroom with safety. Some very basic strategies that we see implemented already are classroom contracts. I remember signing these in high school and even college. They simply state the expectations and regulations for class upfront. They will set agreements such as respecting other classmates opinions and differences, even stating put downs are never alright. I think this is an effective method because you are being clear with students of what to expect and what not to. One other strategy that I actually participated in when I was in school was mix it up day at lunch. It is essentially a program that is voluntary by the students in which students are encouraged to share a meal with people they might not have before during lunch. I thought it was terrific way to create tolerance through example, highly recommend. However it is completely up to the students on how well they respond.

Conclusion
These are some of the most important aspects I saw in creating a positive classroom climate and to deal with bullying. I think they are the most crucial aspects because they all seem to revolve around the students. The student centered learning methods that are associated with classroom set up enhances the classrooms notion they have the right to learn in a way helpful to them. The jobs are another notion of unity between the classroom and the students, also it is helpful for dealing with bullying if you have a student that acts as a conflict manager. Making sure you fight against prejudice and bias as a teacher is very important to a positive class, it is leadership through example. By stating your points to colleagues who might not be against said beliefs it shows your students it is a honorable concept to be against bullying. Finally social and emotional safety is just important because students learn better when they are safe. Classroom contracts and mix it up day are a great way to create a positive environment and to avoid bullying. Bullying is going to be an issue in any school but trying to fight against it is key, fighting bullying not helps the students who are bullied but teaches all students respect for your peers throughout their life.