Creating a Safe Classroom
Well known educator, Chaim Ginot, said “the biggest impediment to learning is the fear of failure.” No student wants to take a huge risk to volunteer or be called on in class only to make a foolish mistake in front of his peers. Since student engagement and participation is so key in a successful classroom, teachers must set up the classroom climate to provide maximum safety, in which student risk is minimized, and trust and support is maximized.
Teachers need to praise volunteers and loudly applaud those students who venture to take risks, especially those who are introverted and more cautious. A “growth mindset” environment in which the message, “we all grow and learn from mistakes,” should be inculcated. The whole class benefits from a brave student whose exposed error becomes a learning experience for all.
Teachers should admit their own errors and find opportunities to share times when they made mistakes from which they learned.
Never allow students to be embarrassed under your watch! Be aware of giggles, smirks, eye-rolling, or taunts that embarrass others. Deal with these situations most seriously. When a student gives an answer that may be somewhat or partially correct, then acknowledge the correct part with verbal praise. Avoid saying an answer is “wrong.” Instead, consider asking the student to further explain the response to clarify his thinking. A “wrong” answer helps everyone get close to the correct answer.
At times, teachers may pre-plan to do some “targeted questioning,” asking relatively simpler questions to shy or weak students in order to build up confidence. In short, teachers must do everything they can to ensure a safe environment, supporting healthy risk-taking, confidence, and student engagement.
