5 Steps to Create a Learner-Friendly Culture

5 Steps to Create a Learner-Friendly Culture

From Jim Knight, High-Impact Instruction

School or classroom culture can promote or prevent student growth, development, and learning. When cultural norms promote hard work, kindness, openness, or respect, those norms can help everyone be more productive, supportive, and respectful. When it comes to school culture, the little things are the big things. Every interaction, every learning experience exists within a culture, and one aspect of effective  instruction is creating a learner-friendly culture.

Co-construct Norms with students

Teachers and students can create norms on any number of topics, but common themes include approach to learning, respectful interactions, conversation, and support. One way to involve students in co-constructing class norms is to ask them to answer the following four questions by  anonymously writing down answers to the following questions:

  1.  How should we approach learning?
  2.  What are some ways that we can communicate respect to each other?
  3.  What should I classroom discussions look like?
  4.  How should we support each other?

After a semester of virtual learning, we have a lot to offer and learn to and from our students.  USing the information from the questions, a teacher could review the responses, summarize all of the ideas submitted, and lead a discussion about them on the second or third day of class. They could then be codified and incorporated into the course syllabus.

Reinforce students when they act consistently within the cultural norms

Teachers should constantly clarify in their own minds what each norm means, watch students to call attention to situations where students demonstrate respect for norms, and correct students when they act in ways that are not consistent with the norms. For students not meeting a norm, it can be a simple note or comment to a student reminding them of the class norms and offering to support to help them exhibit the behaviors. Referencing the norms and desired behaviors as part of daily lessons and intended learning outcomes is also very powerful. For example, before students begin group work, reminding them of the established norms and positively stating expectations frames the learning experience.

Spread-learner friendly emotions 

The fact that we catch each other's emotions much like we catch viruses  has implications for how we  should teach. Teachers need to be aware of the way they share their emotions with others. Leaders--and all teachers are leaders--who are quick to express anger or frustration will infect others with those emotions. Fortunately, the same holds true for positive emotions. A teacher who expresses warmth and caring, will inspire others to do the same. Each of us shapes the emotions of those we touch. Part of teaching is recognizing that, in a very real sense, we create the emotions around us.

Design a learner friendly learning environment

Teachers can create a learner-friendly environment, even in a virtual setting. By being organized, respecting students’ time, ensuring quick transitions between learning activities, you exhibit professionalism and create a learner-friendly environment. Our scholars appreciate understanding why they are learning the material and how they will demonstrate their learning. Additionally, sharing stories, quotes, or jokes all help create a welcoming environment as do the learning activities that we chose for our students.

Walk The Talk 

Students look to their teachers as models for their behaviors, so teachers must consciously and intentionally model the cultural norms they expect from their students. Saying “thank you,”  responding to emails in a timely manner, and seeking first to understand why a student is struggling are all ways we can walk the talk. One way to monitor our effectiveness at walking the talk, is to give students a short survey. We all have blind spots when it comes to our own behavior. If we truly want to shape and learn a friendly culture we should do what we can understand clearly how well we do, or do not, walk the talk.

Tasks/Important Information

February 1: Potential Class Failures Due to Counseling: this form

February 2: Back to School/Open House Zoom Link Please complete

February 4: Asynchronous Day: Reading and Math SOL

February 5: Asynchronous Day: Social Studies and Science SOLs. Last day for course change (subject to change based on weather/closings)

February 11: Back to School/Open House

February 15: Grades due

March 1: Incompletes converted to letter grade

 

End of Semester/Checklist

In planning for a possible Stage 4 return, if you would like  a kn-95 mask, face shield or goggles, please add your name to this list.

https://bit.ly/WAHSannounce To request an announcement, calendar event, etc.

https://bit.ly/TWCStuRec Together We Care Student Recognition There’s been a lull in recent nominations, so we could use your help. Think about students who finished strong, exhibited desirable behaviors, took initiative or actions.

Textbook distribution is scheduled for Wed-Fri, Feb. 3, 4, and 5.   The tables are set up in C and D halls with your names on the wall above your assigned place (if you filled out the textbook info sheet to let us know to make your name sign)

 

Books that have been returned are in the cafeteria and you can get them if you need them for distribution.

Please have your books for pick-up ready to go before 8:00am on Wednesday morning.  If you need help getting your books downstairs (the elevator is still broken), or other help, please call the main office or email Megan, Denise, and Lorita to let us know.

 

Textbooks and Materials Pick up for WAHS Students:

We will be distributing books and materials Wed., February 3 from 8:00am-5:00pm, Thur., February 4 from 10:00am-7:00pm, and Fri., February 5 from 8:00am-5:00pm.  

 

Please sign up for a time to pick up your books and materials by clicking one of the links below and selecting a time.  If you are uncertain about whether or not your second semester teachers are giving out books, please contact your teachers before coming in.  

Wednesday: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040444ABAD2CA6F49-textbook5

Thursday: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040444ABAD2CA6F49-textbook6

Friday: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040444ABAD2CA6F49-textbook7

 

Students will enter the building through the Auxiliary Gym entrance near the tennis courts. A wellness screening, including a temperature check, will be conducted. Students must wear masks; a sanitizing station will be available as well.

 

Please park in a parking spot and not in the circle drive in front of the building.

 

Any books that need to be returned can be placed on one of the first tables as you enter.  

 

Students will need a copy of their schedules with teacher names and periods. Social distancing protocols will be followed as students will file through the hallway to collect appropriate books and materials. Books will be arranged by department and teacher.

 

After collecting their books and materials, students will exit the C-hallway across from the auditorium.

 

Birthdays

February 7: Brooke Pearson

Worth Your Time

Formative assessments for remote learning

Longer days and Saturday classes: states explore costly ways to heal learning loss

Seven ways you can foster a more inclusive LGBTQIA+ learning environment: Question/Step 1 is a must for when we welcome new students to our classes tomorrow (or whenever)

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