Positive Learning Climates KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Positive Learning Climates KnowledgeBase is an online resource to aid educators in nurturing school climates conducive to learning. It is organized around five elements aimed at developing a positive learning climate.

Task 2: Orient the Team

Guideline: At its first meeting, the planning team should have an orientation session. The program should include an overview of the team's purpose, the anticipated timeline for completing its work, any legal requirements, and team dynamics. The principal may want to request assistance from district staff members in compiling the content. He or she should take the lead in presenting the orientation program. In doing so, the principal might concentrate on the organizational issues and legal requirements and use a person experienced with group dynamics to focus on the interpersonal interactions among team members. The length of the session of can be mitigated by providing background material to the team members to review in advance.

resources

Tools

Creative Thinking Tools - The Six Thinking Hats

Individual group members often have divergent viewpoints. Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats is a system fostering collaboration, increased productivity, creativity, and innovation. The concept enables participants in a discussion to move from the traditional argumentative approach to a collaborative process and fosters a more productive dialog. The document provides an overview of the tool and additional resources about it.

Guidelines

Guidelines for Productive Meetings

This guide from the Team Handbook might assist team members with having productive meetings.

References

Creating Team Norms

This article at Stickyminds.com discusses the importance of creating team member behavioral norms.

How to Create Team Norms

This article at About.com discusses the importance of establishing team norms.

The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and are intended for general reference purposes only. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education or the Center, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Some resources on this site require Adobe Acrobat Reader. This website archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.