Accelerated Learning Cycle

Creating a Supportive Environment

Key Features:

• Physical environment
• Emotional environment
• Motivation

Before introducing the Accelerated Learning Cycle it is essential that a supportive environment is created.

Creating a supportive environment includes ensuring the classroom is:

• an attractive place to be in
• fun to be in
• safe to be in
• safe to put your hand up

This is about setting the scene in which the learning will take place. At one level the teacher needs to think about preparing the physical environment in which the learning will take place. This may involve anything from considering the display on the walls (is it bright, stimulating and relevant?) to rearranging the furniture to facilitate the learning that will take place e.g. "islands" For group work or "circle time" for review or debrief It will also involve giving some consideration to the physical needs of learners (Is it too hot? Is it too cold? Is the lighting adequate)- No one learns when physically uncomfortable.

On another level this stage is about preparing for the emotional needs of the learner. Is the classroom a "No Put Down Zone" characterised by High Challenge and Low Stress? Does the teacher greet students at the door with a smile making use of "we" language as they enter "our" classroom? Does the teacher communicate high aspirations for his/her students at all times? Are there important and established classroom rituals in place, which help to build a culture? For example a set of guidelines on how to be the "best audience in the world" or how to work collaboratively and successfully in groups?

Source: http://www.teep.info/