Monday, November 30, 2020

Building a Positive School Culture

In order to build a positive culture, a teacher must be aware and have an understanding of the connections and relationships that are being built in the classroom. Research describes this relationship as a formalized interpersonal association between a subordinate and an authority figure that have daily interaction. This understanding provides a foundation for further research in the area of perception. Perceptions of the relationship can at times be misleading for the teacher or the student. Teachers can have the perception of a much more positive relationship than what the students believe. In addition, positive relationships can be a determining factor for positive outcomes. Additionally, teachers have the false perception that when a student earns good grades they automatically have a positive connection or relationship. The data however, does not support this supposition. Though grades can at times be a contributing factor in a positive relationship, they are not the factor that makes or breaks the connection.

Several studies report that when students develop conflicted teacher-student relationships they are at a higher risk for academic challenges. The perspective on relationships presented by the teacher is much more focused on the development of school culture through behavior management and high-quality instruction. The perceptions of what makes an authentic relationship also varies with teachers in differing subject areas or involvement. Teachers of the core and elective areas have shown a difference in their perception of the relationship development when looking at the extracurricular involvement of the student. As extracurricular activities contribute to the school culture and the experience of a student, the perception of the teacher is that the connection to school is validated by the involvement however, a positive school culture is a contributing factor in developing the connections and building the relationships. In other words, a positive school culture will encourage and validate extracurricular participation by the student.

The bottom line is that building a positive school culture depends on the people building quality positive professional relationships which in turn further builds a positive school culture. Until next time...

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