How can we make the classroom a friendly and helpful place

What is a supportive classroom for you? For us it is a place where students are suppporting each other and teachers are aiming to build together a safe and supporting learning enviroment, working on Emotional Intelligence, collaborative learning tecniques, communication, conflict management.

These were the main topics discussed in the new edition of the course “Effective Classroom Management Strategies for teachers and education staff​” that took place in Tenerife from 15/10/2023 to 21/10/2023. The participants came from all across Europe, with Edita and Evalda from Smelte's Progymnasium in Lithuania, Tanja from Osnovna šola Zagradec in Slovenia, Věra from Brno University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering in Czech Republic and Sophia from Theresianische Akademie Wien in Austria.
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​In the course, they learned three important things for managing a classroom well. Firstly, engagement emphasized building strong relationships, respecting diversity, and encouraging school involvement. The second factor was safety, ensuring emotional and physical security within the classroom. Lastly, a positive environment with peace, calm, and understanding is essential for students.

They learned about Social Emotional Learning, which means understanding and managing emotions and recognizing others' feelings.This skill is crucial for fostering a more accepting and supportive environment.

Then the course looked at how groups work together. Managing these interactions in the classroom is important to keep a comfortable atmosphere, encouraging student participation and preventing dropouts. Teachers reflected together on how do differentiate their teaching practises to include all the students and they did it through the collaborative learning tecnique called "learning stations," discussing different aspects of diversity in various ways.

Later on, the participants concentrated on communication, specifically exploring the distinction between fixed and growth mindsets. They were tested and challenged on their assumptions about their own mindsets, leading the group to analyze the traits associated with a "growth mindset."
Later on, the concept of the "Flipped Classroom" was introduced. They tried out different technology tools to help manage this method, making their teaching more efficient and effective.
Lastly, the course covered conflict management. By examining their own beliefs and biases, participants learned that conflicts can be valuable when handled appropriately.
It was an amazing experience that we will all keep in our memories, as we were ourselves a very supportive classroom! 😀

More info on this course here.