How to create an atmosphere in which students learn from each other
The one in which you will see a best practice example of how to create an atmosphere that enables students to learn from each other.
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In the context of creating community as one of the three core pillars of honors education, this video can be watched by teachers working or interested in honors. Furthermore, students wanting to create community themselves can be inspired to see their fellow students as team partners and not as competitors. Learning then turns into a team effort.
As a starting point of working together, students might ask themselves what the group could do for them. This might lead to a break in communication and struggles when working as a team and solving problems together as equal partners.
To change mindsets, it is important to establish a different way of communication. As a teacher you should point out the importance of feedback and appreciation among each other. Do not see the mistakes of people but their benefits.
You as a teacher should function as a contact person if problems within the group arise which cannot be solved by the students themselves.
Resource-oriented thinking is important. It is not about being the best, but working together as a group. To achieve the best possible result it is essential to think about the possible strengths each student can bring to the table.
Moreover, students should learn to recognize the potential of their teammates and use it to further strengthen their teamwork.
Teaching with the aim of creating a positive atmosphere in which students learn from each other can raise the wellbeing of students and teachers. It will help students to use their full potential.
Questions for reflection
1. What kind of talent program do you want to develop?
2. With which colleagues would you like to develop a talent program and why?
3. What kind of methods do you use to develop innovative education for your talented students?
- TEDxEnola – Dr. Jason Conway – Classroom Environment: It’s not about YOU, It’s about THEM
- Jacobs, J., Archie, T. (2008). Investigating sense of community in first-year college students. Journal of Experiential Education, 30(3), 282-285. https://doi.org/10.1177/105382590703000312
International Centre of the Study of Giftedness at the Westphalian Wilhelms-University of Münster
Vivian Marielle van Gerven – Teacher Educational Sciences
Judith Wenker – Student of Teacher Training (subjects History & English)
Carolin Böckers – Student of Teacher Training (subjects English & Mathematics)
Pictures: Judith Wenker & Vivian M. van Gerven
Voice: Carolin Böckers