SET THE SCENE – ESTABLISH PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY
Psychological Safety is required for Learning
Psychological safety – the belief that learners will not be punished or humiliated for sharing ideas, asking questions, or making mistakes – is essential for engagement.
It is felt by the learner and cultivated by the teacher.
FOSTER PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY BY
- Normalizing the challenges of learning: Questions, uncertainty, and making mistakes are an expected and normal part of learning.
- Setting clear expectations: Learners feel safer when they understand what is expected of them and what they can expect from you and the environment.
- Showing investment in learners: Learn and use names when possible and express enthusiasm for their contributions -even when they contain errors.
PREPARE TO TEACH
- Know your material
- Plan for interaction; encourage questions and discussion
- Manage your time
- Let the learning objectives guide your content
- Don’t offer too much detail
- Aim to finish slightly early to allow for summary and key takeaways
- Tell learners how long they have for an activity
- Practice
- Balance prep with flexibility
ENGAGEMENT
- Incorporate engagement activities every 15 minutes
- Limit active learning strategies to 1-2 per session
ELEVATE QUIETER VOICES
- Allow time to rehearse (give 5-10 sec pause to brainstorm)
- Designate a reporter
- Warm call (with permission); knowing names helps
- 1:1 check in – name behavior and approach with curiosity