An Invitation to
Learn:
How do we invite students into learning? This was a question
investigated by researchers Purkey and Stanley in 1991. When we invite students
into learning, we engage in what the authors call “invitational education” (p.
13), which they contend rests on the following four elements:
- Trust that the environment will remain safe and consistent. This means that adults and students both are good to their word and held accountable to it.
- Respect that is mutual and unconditional, even when members of the school community are not at their best. Respect is a fundamental belief in the dignity of every person regardless of age or role.
- Optimism, which is at the core of why we all go to work every day. We believe that our students can learn and that communication that belief will result in progress.
- Intentionality-the key to turning optimism into results. Simply believing in something won’t make it come true—you have to act upon (p.22)
If this intrigues you, pick up our
“Read of the Month,” Better Than
Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management
by Dominique Smith, Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey. This short, easy to read book provides a practical blueprint for creating a
cooperative and respectful classroom climate that students and teachers work
through behavioral issues together.
Catches my eye! I'd turn to technology to help with all 4 qualities and utilize google classroom. Trust because google classroom gives you an incredible safe and consistent environment as well as an organizational tool for you and your students. Respect because you show confidence in your students and trust them to engage through technology. Optimism because each student can believe they have a communication pathway. Intentionality thru the ability of a student to receive feedback in a quick easy format which leads to deliberate action.
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