Creating a Safe Learning Environment

Jacqueline, the director of math teaching and learning at Amplify, presents a two-part strategy to create a safe space for math discourse. Part one involves asking three key questions to encourage good discussions. Part two involves a group activity where students create rules for a conducive learning environment. The outcome is a set of rights and responsibilities that students can share with their parents.

What is the main goal of creating a safe space for math discourse?

• To reduce the number of students in class

• To make math more challenging

• To encourage open and respectful discussions

• To increase homework assignments

Which question is NOT part of the three important questions to ask?

• What makes a good discussion?

• What type of environment helps you learn?

• How can we make math more difficult?

• What type of environment encourages a good discussion?

What is the purpose of dividing students into groups in part two?

• To compete against each other

• To create rules for a learning environment

• To complete a math test

• To organize a class party

What should each group do after coming up with rules?

• Create a presentation

• Ignore the rules

• Share one rule with the class

• Write a report

What happens if a group has a unique rule?

• It is shared with the class

• It is ignored

• It is kept secret

• It is discarded

What is an example of a right that students might create?

• The right to speak uninterrupted

• The right to avoid homework

• The right to choose their teacher

• The right to skip class

What should be done with the rights and responsibilities created by students?

• They should be ignored

• They should be kept secret

• They should be shared with parents

• They should be thrown away