What does a safe environment mean to the students and teachers?
How does a safe environment impact a student’s learning? A safe, comfortable environment helps build confidence. When students feel safe they will engage freely in class activities. Confidence is trust an individual may have where they will attempt new endeavors. We must instill in the at-risk student strategies that lead to success, self-motivation, hope, happiness, and independence. Studies by educational researchers point out that when we feel secure with ourselves and our surroundings we are more likely to venture out and try new skills and participate in class. Ways teachers in the class can help build confidence using open-ended questions, role play, allowing the student to choose the task, humor breaks, interviews, are a few examples that can be used. Teachers must have a balance between too much and too little choice.
