This is an interesting concept that I had not actually put much thought towards. I do however have my own non-negotiables, or traits that I believe strongly in, and would choose to include in all of my learning communities. The first non-negotiable that I identify with is: We all learn differently and that’s OK. Second would be to implement or establish a restorative culture, especially related to discipline, and third would be the willingness to build a community.
My first non-negotiable stems from my own learning experience. I did not learn at a rate or in a way similar to my peers for much of my early academics, and was often given a failing grade. For this reason I understand the cycle of failure and frustration, and believe it can have detrimental effects on self-efficacy and self esteem. For this reason I believe it is important to customize a learning experience so that we can meet the needs of all learners. This will take a bit more time, resources and planning, but I feel this is valuable and will ultimately gain a strong and confident community member.
My second non-negotiable would be to establish a restorative culture, or at least a minimally punitive culture as it relates to discipline. This culture will find value in identifying personal responsibility and restoring a situation, as opposed to suspending a student. For many students suspension only perpetuates undesirable behavior by potentially rewarding a student with time off to do as they choose. Often a situation can be presented as something they have done “wrong” instead of a learning experience. By taking ownership we teach students a valuable lesson in communication and responsibility.
Lastly the school I am working for or in needs to have or be willing to develop a strong community. This community is among other professionals, students, parents and staff members. This is a community that is passionate about the needs of all students, as well as the professional development of themselves and one another.
A community is not something spoken of, but represented by action and relationships.
Our life is only as strong and as full as the relationships we build.
My first non-negotiable stems from my own learning experience. I did not learn at a rate or in a way similar to my peers for much of my early academics, and was often given a failing grade. For this reason I understand the cycle of failure and frustration, and believe it can have detrimental effects on self-efficacy and self esteem. For this reason I believe it is important to customize a learning experience so that we can meet the needs of all learners. This will take a bit more time, resources and planning, but I feel this is valuable and will ultimately gain a strong and confident community member.
My second non-negotiable would be to establish a restorative culture, or at least a minimally punitive culture as it relates to discipline. This culture will find value in identifying personal responsibility and restoring a situation, as opposed to suspending a student. For many students suspension only perpetuates undesirable behavior by potentially rewarding a student with time off to do as they choose. Often a situation can be presented as something they have done “wrong” instead of a learning experience. By taking ownership we teach students a valuable lesson in communication and responsibility.
Lastly the school I am working for or in needs to have or be willing to develop a strong community. This community is among other professionals, students, parents and staff members. This is a community that is passionate about the needs of all students, as well as the professional development of themselves and one another.
A community is not something spoken of, but represented by action and relationships.
Our life is only as strong and as full as the relationships we build.