Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 1 The Classroom as Community Chapter Nine

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 2 How is a classroom managed? Show genuine interest in your students’ learning Engage your students in meaningful experiences Use your authority appropriately, to set boundaries (with the students) that guide the way the classroom operates Cooperation and shared purpose are best established through the quality of the learning experience

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 3 Approaches to Creating Community Classroom community: –Teachers work with students to create shared conditions for learning. –Rules are established by the group –There is a shared purpose and common values Classroom Management –The teacher creates a good learning environment through rules and control of conditions

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 4 Principles Found in Classes that Work Well Together The teachers know that how students learn is as important as what they learn To succeed academically, students must develop social skills: –Cooperation –Assertion –Responsibility –Empathy –Self-control

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 5 What is a well-run class? Responsible, calm adult in charge Sensible, consistent rules & routines Active, lively, and natural Noise level matches activity Inappropriate behaviors are redirected Students learn and grow

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 6 Making Classroom Community Happen Watch the TeachSource Video Case, “Classroom Management: Best Practices” –In what ways does the elementary teacher’s management approach differ from that of the middle school teacher? Why do these different approaches work?

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 7 To Learn, Students Must Feel Safe Emotional safety –Individuals treat each other with respect –Teacher is confident, warm, happy; a centered presence in the classroom –Rules are enforced fairly and consistently –Create a sense of belonging Share personal stories, connect Give students responsibility (class jobs)

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 8 Service Learning Projects Community service is integrated with learning Benefits: –Allows students to use their strengths to make a meaningful contribution –Fosters well-being and a sense of purpose –Strengthens community ties to school –Culturally relevant team work enhances personal self-esteem

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 9 Sexual Harassment Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, creation of a hostile environment –85% of students grades 8-11 state they are sexually harassed –40% of students report that teachers or staff sexually harass students in their schools –Schools can be held liable for student behavior

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 10 How to Prevent Sexual Harassment Establish a sense of community in class: –If students feel responsible for one another, harassment is less likely –Foster communication –Develop specific behavioral guidelines with your students Understand school policy –Make sure students understand and know how to report abuse

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 11 Bullying Repeated cruelty inflicted by a powerful person or group of people on a weaker person –Types: Intimidation, spreading rumors, name-calling, assault, blackmail, theft, isolation, cyber-bullying on Facebook and Twitter, through texts and –Most common targets: Gays –Victimization linked to depression, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies –Most students won’t report the incidents The teacher must create a climate where reporting is commonplace!

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 12 Bullying and Teasing Hurts

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 13 Cyberbullying Harassment through electronic means ( , website postings, text messaging, blogs, smartphones, Facebook and Twitter) –It is a Federal crime to anonymously abuse any person via telecommunications system Educator’s Guide to Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats can be found at “Beware of the Cyber Bully,” iSAFE, Inc. llying.pdf

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 14 Tips for Students Don’t open, read, or respond to messages from known cyber-bullies Don’t erase messages Tell your school (teacher, principal, guidance counselor) if it is school-related If threatened, call the police Block those who are using chat or instant messaging to bully Think carefully before giving out private information online such as passwords, PINs, addresses, or phone numbers

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.9 | 15 What You Can Do To foster a sense of a learning community: –Honor diversity –Be honest and show interest in their lives –Make lessons and methods meaningful Working with students to create/enforce rules: –Improves learning –Reduces chance of harassment, bullying