Safe Environment
In order for students to learn in their capacity, they need to feel safe and comfortable in class. Safe and comfortable environment means different things, in a science classroom context, they mean lab safety and friendly environment that encourages students' participation. The instructor's role is crucial in order to achieve this safe environment that everyone will learn most effectively because the instructor can change the environment of the classroom.
In a science classroom, all the standards of lab safety need to be met in order for students to feel safe during performing experiments or lab activities. The standards must be made according to the building safety, classroom layout, lab tools used and safety equipment provided. In addition to the basic standards, each lab should give specific things that students to be cautious about. For example, Lesson 1 - Why do we see rainbows after it rains? provides specific instructions about lab safety stating: "The flashlights used in class should not be shined in students' eyes - make sure to warn students before using the flashlights."
Additionally, in order to make the environment for students to feel safe, students need to know that their opinions and ideas are accepted by others. If students are getting bullied or making fun of each other, the students will not feel safe to share their thoughts. To facilitate a better discussion and help students understand the concepts in their own words and ways, I believe that students need to share in their own words because they will remember the things they said the best. In order to achieve this safe environment, the instructor needs to be aware of the class dynamics, strategically make seating charts, and when they are put into groups, put them in the groups that they will feel safe in. In this lesson, there are several group activities, so the instructor will make groups in a way that every student will feel safe to share their opinions.
In a science classroom, all the standards of lab safety need to be met in order for students to feel safe during performing experiments or lab activities. The standards must be made according to the building safety, classroom layout, lab tools used and safety equipment provided. In addition to the basic standards, each lab should give specific things that students to be cautious about. For example, Lesson 1 - Why do we see rainbows after it rains? provides specific instructions about lab safety stating: "The flashlights used in class should not be shined in students' eyes - make sure to warn students before using the flashlights."
Additionally, in order to make the environment for students to feel safe, students need to know that their opinions and ideas are accepted by others. If students are getting bullied or making fun of each other, the students will not feel safe to share their thoughts. To facilitate a better discussion and help students understand the concepts in their own words and ways, I believe that students need to share in their own words because they will remember the things they said the best. In order to achieve this safe environment, the instructor needs to be aware of the class dynamics, strategically make seating charts, and when they are put into groups, put them in the groups that they will feel safe in. In this lesson, there are several group activities, so the instructor will make groups in a way that every student will feel safe to share their opinions.