Positive Teacher Interactions

Posted by Thadra Petkus Aug 29, 2008

In addition to maintaining a comfortable classroom, the environment is improved with positive interactions. Getting students on your side can only benefit the overall tone of the classroom and enhance learning experiences by encouraging students to take risks, give their opinions, and tackle difficult concepts.

Teachers Model Positive Interactions

Students respect the fact that once they enter the classroom, they may not yell or treat each other or me with disrespect. I model a friendly tone and the students, for the most part, mirror this tone. When something goes wrong, I laugh at my own mistakes or about things which are out of my control. I try to communicate that no one is perfect and that what I expect most out of myself and of others is that we try to do our best each day. Teacher introductions are a great way to establish this practice.

Teachers Provide Encouragment and Share Decision-Making

When something goes well, praise is abundant. I often congratulate my students for their insightful remarks; this goes a long way towards inciting positive classroom discussions and fosters creative thinking. Students know they can freely express their ideas and I reinforce the notion that there are many perspectives which can be explored regarding literature. Also, students’ suggestions are considered when making administrative decisions and they are given choices about assignments and test dates, etc. whenever possible. We make decisions together when appropriate. I like to think that students not only feel comfortable in my class, but they also feel respected and valued as individual members of a community learning environment.

These are just a few ways in which I attempt to be a positive influence on students who enter my classroom, and I have found the rewards to be limitless.