Great Conversation Around Identity

We had a great conversation around identity yesterday afternoon at the coffee break.  If you missed it here a few highlights:

1) Identity matters!  It helps to let students know that we "see them" and that who they are is okay. 

2) Context matters!  Sometimes we may hide certain identities (personal and social) when it does not feel safe to do so.  Adult educators can create a climate that communicates safety for students.  This has to go beyond having a statement on a website, and should extend to the actual climate of the program from the moment a student "meets" your program until they successfully separate. 

3) Differences matter!  The ways that we are different from our students can impact our interactions with them, and the quality of their experiences.  This is why it is so helpful to have students informing our practices and policies.  

What are some things that you do to create safe spaces for all students in your program?  What are some ways that you solicit student input when making decisions about your program?  

Comments

Hi Carmine:

    I have always tried to create a calm, peaceful, risk free environment in the classroom  One avenue I utilize is allowing students to create their own personalized workspaces. The potential to speak via a sketch, or poem or photograph in these areas opens up all sorts of communication channels.    Students are  also given a choice as to different genres of music and artists that shared as background and or writing prompts.   Different cultures are also explored.  Just yesterday we journeyed  virtually  to a  Vietnamese street market and made a trip to the Hanoi Park.