Relationship Centered Classroom

Aaron Gamblin

Middle School (6th-8th grade specifically) Social Studies (exclusively) classroom teacher for 9 years, going into his 10th year. Bachelors Degree in History with a minor in Sociology. Masters of Teaching Social Studies 5-12th. Rank 1 in Master of Arts in Administration P-12. Currently working towards an Educator Specialist Degree in Education. Previously coached middle school basketball and archery, and high school football.

“Education is not teacher centered, or student centered, but relationship centered. And what makes it even more special is that you aren't just their teacher for a year, but for the rest of their lives!”

Dr. Brad Johnson

Transactional vs. Experiential Classrooms

Transaction of Information

Content focused
limited collaboration
Increased problem behaviors
negative classroom environment

Experiencing the Journey

getting to know students
- seeing/treating students as people
more time for in-depth content
collaboration
positive classroom environment
life lessons along the way

Content Centered

only content and content related things
more negative interactions
more disruptions
struggling classroom environment
negative hit to school culture

Relationship Centered

improved student listening skills
improved student academic performance
- *Including those hard to reach students*
improved classroom management
thriving classroom environment
improved school culture

Classroom management is focused on control. But we don’t control people, we lead them. So focus less on gimmicks for behavior & focus more on leadership. Building essential R's (respect, relationships, responsibility, & relevance). We want students committed not just compliant.

-Dr. Brad Johnson

Steps to Build a Relationship Centered Classroom

Respect

Mutual respect builds good rapport with students.
Correctly addressing students
Seeing students as people.
Greeting students by their name.

Relationship

Student focused
Life lessons
Current events
Student interests

Relevance

In-depth content
Interactive learning strategies
Collaboration among students

Responsibility

model for students expected behavior
share expectations of classroom
clearly defined roles.

Routine

Consistency
- students know what to expect
practical transitions
- minimal disruptions

Self Reflection

What strategies can you use to build relationships with all of your students?
What routines can you incorporate into your classroom to help reinforce a positive classroom environment?
How can getting to know your students positively impact your classroom environment? Your school's culture?

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