Practising Teacher Criteria #7

Promote a collaborative, inclusive and supportive learning environment 

Key Indicators:
The teacher:

1. demonstrates effective management of the learning setting which incorporates successful strategies
   to engage and motivate ākonga
   
2. fosters trust, respect and cooperation with and among ākonga 
   

Reflective Question:

How does my teaching practice promote an environment where learners feel safe to explore ideas and respond respectfully to others in the group? 

This year I have worked very hard on classroom management. Setting up the expectations of the classroom through consistency of routines and re-enforcing expected behaviours has helped reduce disruptive and undesirable behaviours. I am continually tweaking my classroom management in response to reflections that have highlighted problem areas. This year I have been involved in my school's PB4L programme which I have embraced wholeheartedly. I spend a lot of my time praising positive, expected behaviours and rewarding those that make good choices. Praise is always specific and links back to the school's values so that others can see what the expected behaviour is. 

Where to Next?
Next year I am looking forward to working in an ILE where students will be required to work colaboratively with each other from the outset. To enable this to be successful, the beginning of the year will be spent working in conjunction with the students to layout the expectations and making it explicit what these look like in action.