Thrive in Action Blog Series: Class Community, GPS 6 - Positive Presence
The Thrive In Action blog series highlights practical applications for Great Pedagogy Strategies (GPS) within the EdConnective Thrive Framework, summarized here. The EdConnective Thrive Framework is unique in that it can be applied to teaching actions seamlessly whether learning is in-person or remote. This week we get more familiar with:
Class Community, GPS 6 - Positive Presence: Teacher is kind and positive in speech and body language, (including by encouraging and praising students, acknowledging progress, smiling, culturally appropriate eye contact, high fives or handshakes, etc.) at a rate of at least 5:1 compared with redirections.
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At the very core of a strong classroom community is a warm, positive teacher presence. A teacher with positive presence engenders trust and joy within his/her students, and develops an environment in which students feel comfortable, welcome, and respected. A teacher’s demeanor - their body language and tone - indicate positive presence just as much as his/her words. A teacher with positive presence is quick to encourage students, and recognize progress in the classroom. They positively narrate students who are following directions, and consistently offer encouragement and praise. Some teachers may mistake a positive presence for being “too nice” in a classroom, and believe it indicates a teacher will be unable to manage their classroom. However, a positive presence does not indicate a classroom with no norms or routines, nor does it indicate that teachers should lower their expectations for students. It is meant to work in tandem with the consistent structure and stability that students need to create a productive learning environment.
In any classroom setting, teachers strive to maintain a ratio of 5:1 positive comments to redirections. Before redirecting off-task behavior, teachers should first name and acknowledge several positive, on-task behaviors. In an in-classroom learning environment, teachers can also build a positive presence through nonverbal communication like high fives, handshakes, and fist bumps. Frequently circulating the room and checking in on students one-on-one is another way to build trust and demonstrate warmth.
While teaching remotely, a positive presence still holds a foundational role in the learning family. Smiling often, telling jokes, and frequently expressing excitement to spend time with students are ways to ensure students feel connected and welcome. Virtual high fives and “lunch bunch” meetings are also common methods of celebrating students. By consistently finding ways to maintain a rate of 5:1 positive interactions to redirections, teachers ensure that students feel comfortable in their classroom environment which, in turn, allows meaningful learning to take place.
Download a summary of the EdConnective Thrive Framework here. EdConnective provides 1:1, personalized non-evaluative coaching to teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators, as well as small group coaching and large group training.