Learning as a Science- D186 Task 1
Western Governors University
1
, Culturally Responsive Environment- Learner expectations
Having high expectations for my students could be one way that I could develop a
culturally responsive environment that fosters learners. Regardless of my students' background,
having high expectations for them will show that I believe in their abilities. When students see
that I have high expectations for them, they may challenge themselves because they feel valued
in the classroom. According to Banks, "High expectations are crucial for fostering an academic
climate in which all students can succeed, especially those from marginalized communities"
(Banks, 2006). Implementing high expectations for my students can build their confidence and
help them thrive in the classroom.
Culturally Responsive Environment- Emotional Safety
I could develop a culturally responsive environment that fosters emotional safety, by
creating a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and respected. When students enter my
classroom, I want them to know they are cared for and can be themselves. I can do this by
building a strong relationship with them, not only as a student but as individuals. To build a
strong relationship with my students, I could learn about their personal interests, family
traditions, and their backgrounds. Acknowledging and getting to know my students will help
them feel respected, valued, and free to express themselves. A study done by Zaretta Hammond
highlighted that “Emotional safety is crucial for learning because the brain’s stress response can
hinder cognitive processing and engagement” (Hammond, 2015). By fostering a culturally
responsive classroom where students feel emotionally safe, I can help them reach their full
potential and thrive.
2
Western Governors University
1
, Culturally Responsive Environment- Learner expectations
Having high expectations for my students could be one way that I could develop a
culturally responsive environment that fosters learners. Regardless of my students' background,
having high expectations for them will show that I believe in their abilities. When students see
that I have high expectations for them, they may challenge themselves because they feel valued
in the classroom. According to Banks, "High expectations are crucial for fostering an academic
climate in which all students can succeed, especially those from marginalized communities"
(Banks, 2006). Implementing high expectations for my students can build their confidence and
help them thrive in the classroom.
Culturally Responsive Environment- Emotional Safety
I could develop a culturally responsive environment that fosters emotional safety, by
creating a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and respected. When students enter my
classroom, I want them to know they are cared for and can be themselves. I can do this by
building a strong relationship with them, not only as a student but as individuals. To build a
strong relationship with my students, I could learn about their personal interests, family
traditions, and their backgrounds. Acknowledging and getting to know my students will help
them feel respected, valued, and free to express themselves. A study done by Zaretta Hammond
highlighted that “Emotional safety is crucial for learning because the brain’s stress response can
hinder cognitive processing and engagement” (Hammond, 2015). By fostering a culturally
responsive classroom where students feel emotionally safe, I can help them reach their full
potential and thrive.
2
