A Non-negotiable for any Successful Classroom

You could have the best resources, planned activities, method of teaching… but all of that’s worthless if there’s any judgement in the classroom.

I recently taught a high school science class, and asked them to write up their answers on the whiteboard.

Some hesitated, saying “Oh but X will judge me”.

They were afraid of putting an idea out there, in fear of what their peers might think.

They are dousing their budding curiosity and growth with a pesticide of shame… How can we teach and learn if this keeps getting in the way?

This isn’t a simple fix. Far from it.

It’s a long term culture change where new habits are built in the classroom. This means stressing the importance of TRYING over the RESULT. It’s to normalise ‘failure’ in the learning process, how if you get something wrong for all to see, that it does not define your worth. It is reminding them that they are all at different learning stages - so when there is the urge to judge, to hold their breath and be constructive instead.

Easier said than done?

Yes.

And it all starts with the teacher. How do they react to a student’s low grade? What tone do they use? Do they critique themselves harshly and say ‘I’m so stupid’ when they make a mistake?

“What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.”

- Patrick Ness

Our actions and thoughts need to align. If we do not judge, shame, and praise when students do the same, they will notice and practice it faster than you could imagine.