Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
MSCIN Program, Western Governors University
D186 Learning as a Science
, Classroom Atmosphere
Creating a culturally responsive classroom environment is important for numerous
reasons. A culturally responsive environment can help build student comfort and confidence and
increase their odds of performing better academically. There are five aspects to consider when
creating a culturally responsive environment. One aspect to consider is the learning expectations
of all students. In my classroom, I like to co-write classroom expectations and standards
alongside my students during the first week of school. This often looks like me having students
come up with what they think is important and together having a conversation to set realistic
expectations for our classroom based on certain criteria. Once we have a consensus on the
expectations and standards we have come up with, I then write them on a giant poster-like sticky
note that we eventually hang in the room. These expectations are written in a language that is not
only positive but easy for the stduetns to understand so that there is no confusion about their
expectations in and out of the classroom. Even though I am ultimately directing student
conversation to produce the expectations I desire, by having these conversations with my
students I am allowing them to take ownership of their learning. Allowing students to have a say
in their learning expectations, helps to foster a positive classroom atmosphere and empowers
students to bring their unique personal value to class. “For a teacher to give up some control in
the classroom and empower students means that they must believe that students bring
tremendous value.” (Raish, 2019). I believe that each student brings a unique set of values to the
classroom whether it be due to gender, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, etc. It is important
to me to let students have a role in creating classroom expectations so that all students can find a
way to use their unique values to meet expectations.
MSCIN Program, Western Governors University
D186 Learning as a Science
, Classroom Atmosphere
Creating a culturally responsive classroom environment is important for numerous
reasons. A culturally responsive environment can help build student comfort and confidence and
increase their odds of performing better academically. There are five aspects to consider when
creating a culturally responsive environment. One aspect to consider is the learning expectations
of all students. In my classroom, I like to co-write classroom expectations and standards
alongside my students during the first week of school. This often looks like me having students
come up with what they think is important and together having a conversation to set realistic
expectations for our classroom based on certain criteria. Once we have a consensus on the
expectations and standards we have come up with, I then write them on a giant poster-like sticky
note that we eventually hang in the room. These expectations are written in a language that is not
only positive but easy for the stduetns to understand so that there is no confusion about their
expectations in and out of the classroom. Even though I am ultimately directing student
conversation to produce the expectations I desire, by having these conversations with my
students I am allowing them to take ownership of their learning. Allowing students to have a say
in their learning expectations, helps to foster a positive classroom atmosphere and empowers
students to bring their unique personal value to class. “For a teacher to give up some control in
the classroom and empower students means that they must believe that students bring
tremendous value.” (Raish, 2019). I believe that each student brings a unique set of values to the
classroom whether it be due to gender, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, etc. It is important
to me to let students have a role in creating classroom expectations so that all students can find a
way to use their unique values to meet expectations.
