Psychological safety creates a positive climate for learning
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In a National Science Foundation-funded project, early education teachers used Simple Interactions to improve their teaching of math and social-emotional skills. The teachers learned to engage with children using Peg + Cat, an animated math-based PBS television show accompanied by games and resources. They also participated in Simple Interactions learning sessions that included video clips of them working with children on the math resources.
Reflecting on the experience, one teacher said, “I learned from seeing myself up there that what I am doing is what I am supposed to be doing. It’s so different to see yourself doing something positive. It’s a good thing.”
A school director said, “It was so nice to know that what we do is validated. … What we do does matter.” This group of educators, from four different schools, did not know each other before the project but were able to use the safety and trust built within the group to explore practices and learn from one another.
Akiva, T., Li, J., Martin, K.M., Horner, C.G., & McNamara, A.R. (2016). Simple Interactions: Piloting a strengths-based and interaction-based professional development intervention for out-of-school time programs. Child & Youth Care Forum, 46(30), 285-305.
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