I am sure you have all heard about organisational culture, what about classroom culture? What is the point anyway? So much information regarding culture has been researched and how to implement this within different organisations. John Kotter discusses his 8-step model to implement effective corporate change, this has been adapted to assist teachers in changing the culture in the classroom.
A positive classroom environment is crucial for fostering a culture that supports student engagement and resilience, contributing to their motivation, social development, and essential life skills.
If you are interested in reading about the 8 step model check out this link
Step 1: Create a Welcoming and Safe Space
Creating a welcoming and safe space is essential for building a positive classroom culture. This involves designing a physical environment that promotes comfort, inclusivity, and engagement. Consider the layout of the classroom, the lighting, and the seating arrangements. Ensure that the space is well-organized, clutter-free, and visually appealing. A welcoming and safe space can help students feel relaxed, focused, and motivated to learn.
To create a welcoming and safe space, consider the following strategies:
- Use calming colors and natural light to create a soothing atmosphere.
- Arrange seating to promote collaboration and social interaction.
- Display student work and achievements to foster a sense of pride and ownership.
- Incorporate plants and natural elements to bring in a sense of calm and serenity.
- Ensure that the classroom is well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature.
By creating a welcoming and safe space, you can set the tone for a positive and inclusive classroom culture that promotes social development, academic engagement, and student well-being.
Get the whole classroom excited for a positive classroom culture:
In order for effective change, you need the buy in from the students. Establishing a positive classroom culture at the beginning of a new school year is crucial for fostering respect, kindness, and a growth mindset. They need to see the long-term benefits and advantage of how the classroom will be operating. The values that you and the class deem to be the most important; perhaps even consider a slogan that you can refer too and use in the classroom as a reminder.
Step 2: Set Clear Classroom Expectations
Setting clear classroom expectations is crucial for establishing a positive classroom culture. Clear expectations help students understand what is expected of them in terms of behavior, academic performance, and social interactions. When students know what is expected of them, they are more likely to feel secure, motivated, and engaged.
To set clear classroom expectations, consider the following strategies:
- Develop a clear and concise classroom expectation statement that outlines the rules and expectations for behavior and academic performance.
- Communicate the expectations clearly to students, parents, and colleagues.
- Use visual reminders such as posters, charts, and diagrams to reinforce the expectations.
- Establish clear consequences for not meeting the expectations.
- Involve students in the process of developing and refining the expectations.
By setting clear classroom expectations, you can create a positive and structured learning environment that promotes social development, academic engagement, and student well-being.
Step 3: Focus on Student Relationships
Focusing on student relationships is essential for building a positive classroom culture. Positive relationships between teachers and students can have a profound impact on student motivation, engagement, and academic performance. When students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to feel connected to the classroom community and invested in their learning.
To focus on student relationships, consider the following strategies:
- Take the time to get to know each student as an individual, including their interests, strengths, and challenges.
- Use positive language and reinforcement to build trust and rapport with students.
- Encourage student participation and engagement in class discussions and activities.
- Provide opportunities for students to work in small groups and collaborate with peers.
- Use restorative practices to build empathy and resolve conflicts.
By focusing on student relationships, you can create a positive and inclusive classroom culture that promotes social development, academic engagement, and student well-being.
Step 4: Foster Parent and Peer Connections
Fostering parent and peer connections is essential for building a positive classroom culture. When parents and peers are involved in the classroom community, students are more likely to feel supported, motivated, and engaged. Parent and peer connections can also provide opportunities for students to develop social skills, build relationships, and learn from others.
To foster parent and peer connections, consider the following strategies:
- Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom or participate in parent-teacher conferences.
- Use technology to communicate with parents and keep them informed about classroom activities and events.
- Provide opportunities for students to work with peers from other classes or schools.
- Encourage peer mentoring and buddy systems.
- Use social media to connect with parents and peers and share classroom news and events.
By fostering parent and peer connections, you can create a positive and inclusive classroom culture that promotes social development, academic engagement, and student well-being.
Let senior managers know
The Headteacher will be a great addition to this initiative. By having the extra support the class will see that the project is valid and that the school sees the benefit. Introducing classroom jobs, where students are assigned specific responsibilities such as a line leader or librarian, can foster a sense of ownership and engagement among students. Now would be the time to identify pupils who display the leadership qualities and influence that will support the endeavour. The class will then have a hierarchy that will filter down.
Communicate the values and ethos
A constant reminder and reference to the values instils them. The vision you have been able to discuss needs to be reiterated on a regular basis. The main instrument to implement is your own behaviour, you need to “walk the talk”; if you do this and hold yourself by the same standards everyone will feel that the vision is fair and equal for all.
Positive reinforcement is crucial in maintaining desirable behaviors and creating a balanced approach to managing student conduct.
Step 5: Promote Inclusivity and Acceptance
Promoting inclusivity and acceptance is essential for building a positive classroom culture. When students feel included and accepted, they are more likely to feel valued, motivated, and engaged. Inclusivity and acceptance can also promote social development, empathy, and understanding.
To promote inclusivity and acceptance, consider the following strategies:
- Use inclusive language and materials that reflect the diversity of the classroom community.
- Encourage students to share their perspectives and experiences.
- Provide opportunities for students to learn about different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles.
- Use restorative practices to build empathy and resolve conflicts.
- Celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity through classroom events and activities.
By promoting inclusivity and acceptance, you can create a positive and inclusive classroom culture that promotes social development, academic engagement, and student well-being.
Create situations for positive reinforcement
Being able to praise behaviour promotes success. Positive reinforcement, through verbal praise and tangible rewards, is crucial in maintaining desirable behaviors and creating a balanced approach to managing student conduct. By opening up the focus to positive behavioural change that is validated by you, the class will encourage others that have bought into the premise to continue with the positive classroom cultural initiative.
Set clear expectations and goals for the class and individuals
Goal setting for the class and pupils allows the long-term groundwork to take root. Pupils will know exactly what is expected and how this will be achieved. This also allows for differentiation and parents will likely want to be involved knowing the benefits you plan on seeing. Goals will give the students something to work towards, a visual for this is always a beneficial tool to keep them on track.
Step 6: Anchor your Changes
Success stories and progress being spoken about solidifies the groundwork. The beginning of the school year is a crucial time for establishing a positive classroom culture, allowing teachers to shape classroom dynamics and model behaviors that influence students’ emotional growth and interactions throughout the year. Make sure that all pupils know how your classroom functions, this way future classes know exactly what they are in for. The success you have will filter through to other classrooms.
