Classroom Culture

I've mentioned Danny Steele a number of times on this blog.  He's a principal, soon to be college professor, with a Twitter account that cheers on teachers and students to do their best.  One of his most frequent themes is about developing class culture.  Here's an example:
 

Education is super "buzzword-y," and right now "classroom culture" is having its moment.  Here's the thing, though.  It's not new.  Classroom management has always been about classroom culture.  There was a time when the culture was authoritative; set entirely by the teacher's position.  There have been classrooms where the culture was set entirely by the students because either the teacher was too weak to resist or because they believed philosophically in a completely student-driven environment.  Those are two extremes; and, like most extremes, both are probably unhealthy cultures.  I'm with Danny Steele, when he says, "creating a positive class climate is actually not that complicated." 

The reason it's not complicated is that it happens the same way as building a positive relationship with anyone you love.  If a friend says something you find genuinely funny, do you shoot them a look because it isn't the right time?  Probably not.  Chances are, you laugh at what they said.  Why do we think we can't laugh at something a student says when we genuinely find it funny?  If your friend plays a sport, you probably go watch them play a game, or at least ask them how it went the next day.  Taking an interest in a person's activities is how we all make friends.  Why wouldn't you attend a basketball game one of your students is in (especially since most of them are taking place on your campus)?  No teacher can attend them all, but you can attend at least one.  If you cannot attend, you can ask how it went.  When your friend has a problem, chances are you stop and listen to them.  Students will likely talk to you about problems as well.  You don't have to agree with them or spend hours counseling them, but you can listen to them.  When you hurt a friend's feelings, do you apologize?  Do that with students, too.  It's amazing how far that will take you.

Teachers who like their students don't have a ton of discipline problems. I'm not saying they have none.  We are talking about groups of humans, after all.  But they have significantly fewer.  Also, when they do have problems, they have a path for redemption rather than just punishment, which causes a more positive climate for the future. 

It's truly simple.  Be a human being.  Take a genuine interest.  Take your work seriously but yourself lightly.