Welcome! 12/12/20- Positive Classroom Culture
Fostering Classroom Communities
Community is essential within the classroom, especially in establishing relationships between students, instilling good values, and teaching favorable behavior rules (Laureate Education, 2016a). There are various activities that educators can do within a classroom, such as structuring mornings with a classroom meeting (Edutopia, 2015). Morning meetings that follow the Responsive Classroom model entail greetings, student sharing, an activity that encourages teamwork, or a morning message taught by the teacher (Edutopia, 2015). Activities like these can establish trust, build empathy, and create respect between members within the classroom (Edutopia, 2015). All these qualities can create a positive learning environment for students.
Dissertation
Early childhood educators' and caregivers' approach to multicultural education: A qualitative multiple case study is a dissertation that seeks to address teacher's lack of understanding on how to approach teaching students from diverse backgrounds (Quach, 2018). The problem is focused on classrooms comprised of students with diverse backgrounds and the hardship of meeting the students' needs socially and personally (Quach, 2018). The purpose of the dissertation is to develop more of an understanding of the classroom and family collaboration practices for building connections that foster positive student well-being (Quach, 2018). The collThey information, the study's population consisted of participants from 64 elementary schools and 12 early education schools within San Francisco, California (Quach, 2018). Within this sample population, 10 participants were interviewed. The research design for the methodology was a qualitative case study, chosen to be conducted in interviews held within the classroom setting (Quach, 2018). Using this methodology, Quach (2018) was able to get an accurate view of teacher perceptions of teaching diversity. The information collected through interviews was recorded on an iPhone, while physical notes were also taken (Quach, 2018). Prior toBeforeerview, Quach (2018) and other professionals reviewed and assessed the interview questions for focus and integrity (Quach, 2018).
The conclusions in compiling and analyzing participant perceptions focused on a few key themes (Quach, 2018). Teachers' perceptions identified student history as very important in acknowledging within the classroom (Quach, 2018).Another theme was the ability of language and communication to be used within the classroom to establish a greater connection with diverse students (Quach, 2018). Literature, especially from a student's culture, can socially connect with a child (Quach, 2018). Finally, the theme of cultural pride is useful for connecting with a student and helping them to establish self-love and respect (Quach, 2018).
Resources used in the dissertation. Quach used resources to support the dissertation, mostly to support implementing practices that encourage student growth in diverse classrooms (Quach, 2018). Quach (2018) cites Nitecki's 2015 study that found that students' and caregivers' relationship was imperative when ensuring student success. Quach (2018) also provides websites dedicated to providing resources over cultural diversity to communities and family members. Finally, Quach (2018) uses the 2016 study of Kemple, Lee, and Harris, further cementing the idea that the classroom environment has been shown to shape students' beliefs and attitudes directly. All these resources are significant because they provide the purpose of collecting data on Quach's dissertation problem. The problem is valid because the correlation between classroom connection and student well-being is established.
Fostering Supportive Learning Environments
Children are unique. They come from different backgrounds, have diverse traditions and beliefs that are shaped through experience. Knowing this information, it is imperative to incorporate their cultures within the classroom, and understanding how to do this effectively matters. The dissertation above concluded that various themes included within the classroom community could help students from all backgrounds flourish (Quach, 2018). The theme involving pride and respect for one's culture can be used when constructing lessons or during classroom morning meetings in student sharing or meeting messages (Quach, 2018; Edutopia, 2015). During greeting time, students could have a moment to say hello or good morning to the class how they would say it to their own families, normalizing the differences between cultures. For the activity time, teachers can collaborate with families at home and take turns with parents providing a craft that highlights their own culture. Knowing the dissertation results, all the other themes such as the historical background of a student and communication can be touched on if a teacher took time to establish classroom meetings in the morning and followed the Responsive Classroom model (Quach, 2018; Edutopia, 2015).
Edutopia. (2015). Morning meetings: Creating a safe space for learning. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/practice/morning-meetings-creating-safe-space-learning
Laureate Education (Producer). (2016a). Creating positive classroom cultures through classroom community meetings [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Quach, J. K. P. (2018). Early childhood educators' and caregivers' approach to multicultural education: A qualitative multiple case study (Order No. 10973650). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2128016368). Retrieved from https://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fdissertations-theses%2Fearly-childhood-educators-caregivers-approach%2Fdocview%2F2128016368%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D14872