PROMOTING a culture of learning in our classrooms means the cultivation of thinking habits, belief in self as well as collaborative team work. It requires an atmosphere where education and learning are made to be high priority and a general tone of high cognitive energy is set. There must be high expectations for all students. All students must be uplifted and encouraged and must feel capable of achievement, provided they put in the work. We must build a dynamic learning community that promotes student engagement and instills a thirst for knowledge and a lifestyle of inquiry. This is the culture that should be desired.

When you a convince a student of his or her capability, the student is usually motivated to devote the energy to the task. They take pride in their accomplishments. Of course, this demands that our teachers are enthusiastic and passionate about their subject matter. Student engagement and excitement are increased by passionate teachers. Passionate teachers also cover more content and pull out the inquisitive nature of their students. This calls for teachers to demonstrate a high regard for the abilities of their students and towards student progress and achievement.

The long term goal of any school should be to set the tone for life-long learners and thinkers. It should not just be ‘knowledge holding’. Therefore, it is incumbent on administrators, teachers, parents, communities and stakeholders to build and enhance a positive classroom culture.

Tips to develop a positive classroom culture

1. Create a safe space — This means that students should feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas and making mistakes without the fear of being humiliated. There must be mutual trust between teacher and student to ensure that the student’s learning is not diverted to self-protection. Additionally, mutual trust goes a long way in building confidence because students know they will not be made to feel stupid. Therefore, we must adopt the practice of encouraging our students to ask questions, however trivial they may seem.

2. Team building — Develop a shared identity between students by encouraging that sense of belonging to the class. Group projects properly set out can help to strengthen student relationships. Relationships with the teacher can be improved by simple acts such as standing at the door and greeting each student by name when that student arrives to class.

3. Develop thinking skills — Create an environment of curiosity. Let students become inquisitive which leads to the development of critical thinking skills. Ask probing questions. Inject humour into the classroom. Provide feedback to continuously improve learning.

4. Establish routines — Knowing what to expect is important for reducing anxiety in students which will lead to enhanced achievements. Children feel safe in an environment that is orderly, consistent and predictable.

5. Set rules and regulations — It is important that clear rules and guidelines are set and made known to minimise disruptive behaviour and encourage a settled and calm classroom. If possible, students could participate in the setting of these rules, thus giving them a sense of ownership.

6. Use praise effectively ­— Always celebrate your students’ successes. Also, be sure to acknowledge and praise effort. Praise not only includes words but also body language. Students always seek validation. Remember that mistakes are simply stepping stones to success. Empower your students to appreciate their unique offerings and render your support by continually reiterating the fact that you believe in them.

7. Give students responsibilities — Assign tasks to students and change them up every week so that all students get their turn. This generally boosts self-esteem and increases their sense of belonging.

8. Allow students to redo work — We don’t always get it right the first time. A master teacher understands that whether the student learns the content on the first attempt or on the tenth attempt, the goal is always the same; to ensure that the student shows mastery. Hence, students should be given opportunities to redo work or to do supplemental work until the student ‘gets it’.

A true culture of learning is not confined to the classroom but must include parents, caregivers and the community. However, in the classroom it is the leadership of the teacher which is critical in fostering a supportive learning environment. This emerges as a result of thoughtful reflection followed by purposeful planning and actions. Building a positive classroom culture is one of the most effective means of awakening the learner in your student. It helps students learn skills and content and hopefully make them lifelong learners.

Dr Karla Hylton is the Founder and CEO of Your Empowerment Solutions (YES) Institute, offering a host of workshops and science tutoring services. She is the author of Yes! You Can Help Your Child Achieve Academic Success and Complete Chemistry for Caribbean High Schools. Reach her at (876) 564-1347, e-mail ceo@yes-institute.com, or visit www.yes-institute.com, www.khylton.com.