Building a Classroom Culture for Science Learning: Establishing Classroom Norms
We understand that fostering a classroom culture where students feel respected, valued, and motivated is essential for their success. But how do we intentionally create this kind of environment? It begins with establishing and reinforcing classroom norms/agreements that encourage not only academic growth, but also personal and community development. These norms should be focused on sensemaking rather than just behavior, and they should be created to reflect the experiences and values of all students.
Benefits of Classroom Norms
Respect for All Voices: Establishing respect ensures every student feels heard, valued, and safe to share ideas and ask questions. By emphasizing that disagreements should focus on ideas, not people, we create a productive learning environment built on trust and collaboration.
Equity in Action: Effective teaching provides each student with what they need to succeed. Norms should ensure all voices are heard and prevent discussions from being dominated by a few. By monitoring our own talk time and inviting diverse contributions, we foster a more equitable space.
Commitment to Community: Classrooms should be safe, collaborative spaces. Norms that promote shared responsibility and teamwork help students see science as a collective effort. Encouraging preparedness, active participation, and careful listening strengthens community.
Moving Science Thinking Forward: Science learning is ongoing. Norms should encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and using evidence to explore ideas. By focusing on progress over perfection, we help students see learning as a continuous journey.
Overcoming Obstacles
Establishing classroom norms is not without challenges. Teachers may face student resistance, unequal participation, and misalignment with prior experiences. Strategies to address these issues include co-developing norms with students, using talk moves, and integrating norms into everyday discussions.
By creating and consistently reinforcing classroom norms that support respect, equity, community, and forward-thinking, we lay the foundation for a classroom culture where students are empowered to think scientifically and grow as individuals.
3 Resources to Dig Deeper…
Establishing Classroom Norms to Enhance Students' Collective Efficacy (Edutopia, Jan. 24, 2024)
Classroom Culture and Norms - OSE Teacher Handbook
Overcoming Obstacles with Norms (EP-created)
2 Questions to Ponder & Discuss
How do I foster a sense of community in my classroom where students feel responsible not just for their own success, but for the success of their peers as well?
When was the last time I referenced our classroom norms during instruction? Did I use it to address disciplinary issues and manage student behavior or did I use it to support student behavior? Was using norms for this purpose effective?
1 Action to Take
Make norms a part of everyday instruction, not just something used to address behavior. Ask students regularly to reflect on how well we did and where we can improve. Thinking about how our classroom culture is impacting our learning can keep us moving in the right direction!