Surveys to maintain a Supportive Environment

This post originates from a very difficult day in my classroom. The behaviour of my students was not great and I was struggling to teach well within this difficult social environment I had some how allowed to happen!

After talking with a much more experienced teacher (Jayne), she recommended doing an anonymous survey to ask the students what they were enjoying about the class and their learning, as well as what they were struggling with. The most confronting part of this survey related to their perceptions about me…. their teacher. I asked questions like: what do you need in a teacher, what do teachers do that make you feel safe or unsafe and even what consequences do you think should be given for certain behaviours.

The responses were confronting!! I realised that although the students were indeed responsible for their actions, I had contributed somewhat by being inconsistent with following through with the consequences… I also discovered some positive things about my teaching too.

So….. the main point I want to get across is…. if you’re struggling with some behaviours in the classroom, why not empower your students, and value their voices in this process! Have a go at giving them a survey… you may be surprised at what you find out about the inner working of your students and what they are needing from you as their teacher!

Here is an example of a survey I have used both in 2013 and 2014.  It works!!

Survey:

I want you to be 100% honest in this survey! I want to know how you feel so we can make this learning environment a happy and safe place. J

1. What are three things you need in a teacher?

1. ____________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________

2. What are two things teachers do or have done in the past to make you feel safe?

1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________

3. What are two things teachers do or have done in the past to make you feel unsafe?

1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________

4. When you feel unsafe who are two people you could talk to?

1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________

5. What’s important for you in a classroom? What does a good classroom look like? And feel like?
   1. __________________________________________________
   2. __________________________________________________

6. What are two things that you are looking forward to about being in grade 7?

1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________

7. What are two things that are concerning or worrying you about being in grade 7?

1. __________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________

8. Should all behavior have the same consequences? Yes or No (circle one)

9. What about these behaviours….. What should be consequences be?

10. What can YOU change? We can’t change the school, teacher or class …. But what’s ONE thing you can change to make this classroom a happy and safe place?

______________________________________________________

11. Seating arrangements. Name two people you could work well next to

1. ______________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________

Thank you for completing this survey!!

I care about you very much and I look forward to working with you to make this classroom a fun and happy place where we can love, lead and learn together!