Creating A Safe Learning Space
Setting The Environment
As a prevention professional when walking into a space to present it is vital to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel safe. Setting the environment is done when preventionists check in with all individuals who are involved in workshops. This process starts before the presentation is given and continues throughout the process of a presentation. Whether this is reaching out to staff members of a school or creating group norms with audience members, preventionists can set the environment in a positive manner. Setting a positive tone in the beginning of a presentation will help preventionists to build a rapport with audience members and along with better deliver the material better. Below are various ways preventionists can create a safe environment when walking into a space to present.
Creating Rules And Agreements
Group norms are designed to promote physical and emotional safety and establish appropriate behaviors. Explaining the group norms gives presenters the opportunity to create a space where all individuals feel welcomed and can participate. Creating group norms with audience members helps to encourage individuals to work together respectfully and effectively. Group norms are vital to establish a culture of respect.
1. Discussing boundaries and agreements with staff/teachers
a. There are certain classroom and staff management techniques set by teachers and bosses to maintain balance with individuals. Preventionists should be made aware of these management techniques. This will help preventionists to know how to engage with audience members in all situations. When looking at boundaries and agreements it is vital for presenters to know what expectations have already been set and when it is appropriate for teachers and bosses to step into the conversation. This helps presenters to navigate how to best present material along with knowing the do’s and don’ts when it comes to addressing classroom/work dynamics.
2. Language use
As preventionists, appropriate language use comes in many forms. Preventionists should use language that helps the audience stay engaged and builds a sense of connection. This will help preventionists not only create a welcoming environment, but also help audience members best understand material being delivered. Below are aspects of appropriate language use:
a. Make sure language is developmentally appropriate and content is suitable for the audience.
b. Make sure language is not accusatory. For example, replace “perpetrator” with “person who has done harm”.
c. Make sure language is inclusive. Inclusive language avoids biases, slang, or expressions that discriminate against marginalized groups such as race or gender.