This chapter is about the importance of setting the tone for your class. And, the need to make your "message" clear from the minute they walk into (or log on in our case) the class. The chapter points out that the first thing students will learn is the teacher's intent. So, the goal is to create a positive setting designed for learning, in which students feel immediately welcome and it's clear you want to be there and are just as excited for this opportunity to learn together as they are. In AET classes we often discuss the importance of a safe learning environment, this is all a part of creating the tone for a class. It includes not only how the instructor makes them feel and will treat them, but also the expectations for how they are expected to treat one another. One of the reasons for creating a safe learning environment is to aid in learning the information, not only cognitively but emotionally as well, because emotions make recalling and using the information easier.
"Once you have established safety, you can challenge them to stretch what they know and to take risks " (Norris, 2003, p. 21).
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3 comments:
Great advice. I feel as if Leann does a great job at setting the tone, or sending a message, from the start. Before the session opens, she communicates the syllabus, expectations, and her contact information to us. By starting week one off with introductions, I feel as if each of us hold merit to making the class function properly.
I agree with Ashley, for the most part. The only issue I have with our program and/or other online programs is the potential lack of emotional expectation. The tone can change easily when others' create a negative emotional attachment to a posting/discussion/assignment. A student can set a tone of detriment accidentally and unnecessarily; however, that may be their emotional stimulus for learning. Regardless of setting the tone, there are some students that need to ascribe an emotion that challenges the 'safety' of a class.
Yes, instructor role is huge in setting the tone. A tone is set whether they are purposeful about it or not! The more nurturing ones convey that in their messages and the less nurturing ones convey that by default.
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