We have an innate need to feel that we belong and are appreciated. It could be your friends or colleagues. This sense of belonging motivates us to contribute our best efforts voluntarily.
Similarly, fostering a sense of community in the classroom and designing educational activities for students can inspire them to engage with their peers and fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
Creating a classroom community offers several advantages to learners. And this blog will explore some of them and provide insights into developing an effective classroom plan. So, let’s dive in.
What Is A Classroom Community?
People who live in the same area or share similar interests and work together to accomplish a common goal are called communities. As a result, a classroom community forms when students who share common learning objectives and interests come closer. The students in the group work together and support each other academically.
Benefits of Having a Classroom Community
A classroom community has the following benefits:
Enhanced Trust and Support
A community of students always supports and has each other’s back. Building a community makes members trust their fellow students and encourages them to participate in all activities. Whenever a teacher asks for participation, most students remain silent because they are afraid to speak up.
But what if a group of people supported and cheered up a student? Unlike before, the student will not feel hesitant. Hopefully, they would likely try to relax and participate. The community plays a vital role in this.
Effective Communication
It is not uncommon for students in a community classroom to come from different backgrounds. They likely came from diverse backgrounds. When they come together, they will learn more about each other’s experiences, culture, etc., which helps them analyze different types of people. In addition, they can collaborate actively on group projects.
When placed among their peers in a community, students struggling with mental illness or health problems would find it easier to ask for help and worry less about their problems. If any issue bothers them, they can quickly seek support from their peers in their community, so they do not feel stressed.
Reduced Misconduct
Often, young people are unaware of what they do. Sometimes they perform harmful activities without even realizing it. Other children, however, may misbehave in response to trauma, stress, or hatred. Putting students of the same age group together, teaching positive values, and encouraging them to do good deeds together can make them feel more comfortable and teach them good moral values more easily.
Kids tend to copy what others do most of the time. As a result, they have a much better chance of learning and practicing positive values in a group. Building a classroom community would also make it easier for you to enforce classroom rules and procedures. Despite one student failing to obey a law, the other will always encourage them. It is for this reason that it is crucial to build a classroom community.
Greater Accountability
If kids were in a community instead of being alone, they would feel more responsible. A student’s participation in a class activity or a duty is not solely his responsibility. The community values the actions of every student.
It is incumbent on the student to complete their task on time if they have not already done so. And he will take responsibility for doing so. Doing so would make them more likely to complete their homework effectively. Even the most uninteresting tasks can become more inviting when finished with a group.
Enhanced Helping Spirit
Most students feel safe and confident in the classroom community right after their families. In this environment, they can freely express their thoughts and feel positive. They all feel responsible and have a sense of ownership in the community.
As a result, everyone will prepare to help their friends when needed. Consequently, students tend to help as they grow up, making it a vital characteristic to acquire. By becoming more selfless, they are more willing to assist those around them.
Conclusion
Classroom communities encourage students to take responsibility and open up to others with similar interests. Because of this quality, they learn to interact well with others and accept friendships. As a teacher, your role in online community management is to encourage the students and help them grow together.
