Collaboration and consistency make for a safe learning environment

I think it is almost more difficult for us who are currently learning how to be teachers to think of how to create a safe learning environment because there are many more factors to consider now than there were in the past. We will be teaching students who may have to face issues which would have been considered irrelevant or insignificant in the past generations. There are also a larger variety of topics being focused on now, such as an emphasis on multicultural awareness, or teaching about homosexuality. Also, with the increasing use of the internet and mass media, children are exposed to a larger array of information outside of school. There may  be some children who ask questions the teacher may not be prepared for, or there is the risk of children finding unreliable sources/information.

I think in order to create a safe learning environment, one has to be conscious and aware of what classroom management methods they plan on using, and it is important that they enforce these ideas from the very beginning. I believe a teacher is able to have better control over their class if they have established rules and remain consistent with them. I think it is important for the students to assist or participate in creating these classroom rules because then they can actively agree to follow them rather than feeling as if they are being forced upon them. For example, I believe that 'respecting each other and each others' ideas" would be an important class rule to ensure a comfortable environment, but I feel this rule would be most effective if it came from a student's suggestion and a class discussion rather than a teacher simply writing it on a poster and hanging it in the front of the class. Through an activity like this, where the students and teacher are able to come to a mutual agreement, the students are actively participating while learning important skills such as how to present arguments in an academic manner while having open discussions. If the activity is carried out correctly/successfully, then they will also be learning how to listen to each others' ideas and respond in a respectful manner.

Consistency is important so that the rules agreed upon at the beginning of the class will continue to be relevant and respected. It is also important for the teacher to remain consistent in that they follow the rules they established for the class. Take for example Francois in 'The Class' during the scene where Khoumba refuses to read. When Khoumba says she doesn't want to read, and Francois responds by saying "I don't care", he is creating a roadblock between himself and his students by establishing himself as the authoratarian, whereas his students are simply there to listen to him and do as he says. This interaction created a 'cold' environment, as there seemed to not be much respect being felt by either side.

This situation teaches me that I need to be willing to listen to students and their thoughts/feelings if I expect them to listen to and trust me. I also believe that as a teacher, I need to provide structure and boundaries, but it is important that I allow students to give their input regarding appropriate limits so that they can feel as if their classroom is a safe place where their thoughts will be respected by their teacher and peers.