Title: How to Get Classroom Culture Right | Getting Smart
Headings: How to Get Classroom Culture Right
How to Get Classroom Culture Right
Make Sure Every Voice is Heard
Create a Clear Communication Line With Parents
Integrate Social and Emotional Learning Programs
Offer Authentic Learning Experiences
Facilitate Successful Collaboration

Content: How to Get Classroom Culture Right | Getting Smart
How to Get Classroom Culture Right
By Gerard Dawson
“Classroom culture” is one of those vague terms that can send shivers down a teacher’s spine. One mention by an administrator or thought leader, and it’s easy for your eyes to glaze over and your ears to shut. But the truth is, improving classroom culture consists of concrete steps that teachers can take to ensure a better learning environment for their students. While the results may not be easy to collect data about, they can certainly be felt. Here are some of the first steps I recommend. Make Sure Every Voice is Heard
Classroom culture is largely about the way that teachers and students communicate and the way that students communicate with each other. In both cases, culture cannot be optimized until all students are participating in discussions and sharing their voices. If some students feel silenced, then they will not contribute and miss out on valuable learning experiences. When certain students feel uncomfortable speaking, class can become stale and boring, since teachers and students know that only a few voices will do all the talking. When all students’ voices are consistently heard in the classroom, then teachers have the chance to push students in their speaking abilities, even using tools like cold calling to maximize participation and formatively assess the class.