OMM1 Task 1
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
Learner Expectation
A culturally responsive environment is one that values and affirms the cultural identities
of all students. It creates a sense of belonging and empowers students to reach their full potential.
Classroom expectations are clearly defined in the first few days of school. Each student receives
a syllabus that explains what is expected of them. School policies are also discussed in all
classrooms during the first few days of school. Students will know my rules and the school rules
so that they do not have to guess how to behave or act in class. Clearly communicate your
expectations for behavior and learning and consistently enforce them. “Classroom climate is
determined by both intentional and unintentional actions, and by both explicit and implicit
messages.” (The Ohio State University, 2023) I must follow my own rules to create the climate
of the classroom. Having expectations in class and school allows students to feel safe and
comfortable in class and school. If students feel safe at school, this will create a sense of
belonging there to each student.
Emotional & Physical Safety
“According to Maslow (1943, 1954), human needs were arranged in a hierarchy, with
physiological (survival) needs at the bottom, and the more creative and intellectually oriented
‘self-actualization’ needs at the top.” (McLeod, 2024) I believe in building rapport with my
students. To me, it is all about building relationships with students. If students can trust you, they
are more willing to participate in class than if they do not believe in you. We as teachers need to
realize that we may be the only positive people the students see that day. One thing that I like to
do on day one is for students to take a quiz about me. What have I done, where have I lived, what
, TV shows I like, and other things about me that can be funny or interesting? It is suitable for
them to learn about me from day one. After discussing the answers to the multiple-choice quiz, I
ask them to write down two interesting facts about themselves. This is just another way I can
learn about them. Students need a safe place; this should be every teacher’s classroom. Safety is
necessary for survival, and it must be met in classrooms. As with emotional safety, the students
need to trust that I will keep the classroom environment safe for everyone. The last thing I try to
teach in my class is conflict resolution. It seems like in today’s world, there are more and more
people who do not know how to resolve a conflict without violence. I try to teach students how
to resolve conflict when examples arise in the classroom.
Sense of Belonging
I need to start by learning everyone’s names. This is basic but can lead to a sense of
belonging in my class. “Learning student names has been promoted as an inclusive classroom
practice.” (Cooper et al., 2017) Getting to know your students goes a long way; this is another
reason I use the quiz about me in class. This can also be done through informal conversations,
surveys, or icebreaker activities. Actively listen to your students show that you value their
thoughts and opinions and offer specific and sincere praise for their efforts and achievements.
“Be warm, friendly, and present. Greet Students when they enter the class” (The Ohio State
University, 2023) is something that I try to do every day. A teacher's praise can be a powerful
tool for fostering a culturally responsive learning environment. When students share their
cultural background or experiences, praise their insights. Praise students for sharing their
thoughts, feelings, and perspectives if they differ from the norm. This will help them feel
comfortable in class and show students they can share their unique perspectives.
Respectful relationships
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
Learner Expectation
A culturally responsive environment is one that values and affirms the cultural identities
of all students. It creates a sense of belonging and empowers students to reach their full potential.
Classroom expectations are clearly defined in the first few days of school. Each student receives
a syllabus that explains what is expected of them. School policies are also discussed in all
classrooms during the first few days of school. Students will know my rules and the school rules
so that they do not have to guess how to behave or act in class. Clearly communicate your
expectations for behavior and learning and consistently enforce them. “Classroom climate is
determined by both intentional and unintentional actions, and by both explicit and implicit
messages.” (The Ohio State University, 2023) I must follow my own rules to create the climate
of the classroom. Having expectations in class and school allows students to feel safe and
comfortable in class and school. If students feel safe at school, this will create a sense of
belonging there to each student.
Emotional & Physical Safety
“According to Maslow (1943, 1954), human needs were arranged in a hierarchy, with
physiological (survival) needs at the bottom, and the more creative and intellectually oriented
‘self-actualization’ needs at the top.” (McLeod, 2024) I believe in building rapport with my
students. To me, it is all about building relationships with students. If students can trust you, they
are more willing to participate in class than if they do not believe in you. We as teachers need to
realize that we may be the only positive people the students see that day. One thing that I like to
do on day one is for students to take a quiz about me. What have I done, where have I lived, what
, TV shows I like, and other things about me that can be funny or interesting? It is suitable for
them to learn about me from day one. After discussing the answers to the multiple-choice quiz, I
ask them to write down two interesting facts about themselves. This is just another way I can
learn about them. Students need a safe place; this should be every teacher’s classroom. Safety is
necessary for survival, and it must be met in classrooms. As with emotional safety, the students
need to trust that I will keep the classroom environment safe for everyone. The last thing I try to
teach in my class is conflict resolution. It seems like in today’s world, there are more and more
people who do not know how to resolve a conflict without violence. I try to teach students how
to resolve conflict when examples arise in the classroom.
Sense of Belonging
I need to start by learning everyone’s names. This is basic but can lead to a sense of
belonging in my class. “Learning student names has been promoted as an inclusive classroom
practice.” (Cooper et al., 2017) Getting to know your students goes a long way; this is another
reason I use the quiz about me in class. This can also be done through informal conversations,
surveys, or icebreaker activities. Actively listen to your students show that you value their
thoughts and opinions and offer specific and sincere praise for their efforts and achievements.
“Be warm, friendly, and present. Greet Students when they enter the class” (The Ohio State
University, 2023) is something that I try to do every day. A teacher's praise can be a powerful
tool for fostering a culturally responsive learning environment. When students share their
cultural background or experiences, praise their insights. Praise students for sharing their
thoughts, feelings, and perspectives if they differ from the norm. This will help them feel
comfortable in class and show students they can share their unique perspectives.
Respectful relationships
