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Reflective Learning Culture


A psychologically-safe environment that promotes non-defensive self examination.

Establishing a Reflective Learning Culture entails engendering trust and safety through listening, constructive feedback and honest dialog, in order to promote and support a growth mindset regarding all learners.

Framework Learning Series: Reflective Learning Culture 

Teachers21 works with leaders to create a reflective learning culture among adults where teachers feel safe to learn while retaining accountability for outcomes. We also work with teachers to create similar learning cultures in their classrooms where each student feels safe, supported and empowered to learn and achieve significant personal and academic growth. Along the way we support educators in developing the skills to provide effective feedback, handle difficult conversations and foster reflection and learning.

The work of Stanford professor Carol Dweck highlights the importance of a growth mindset, the belief that everyone has the capacity to learn and that learning happens from overcoming challenges more than from easy successes. The work of Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmonson extends our knowledge to understand that learning and growing from error requires meaningful feedback and dialog in a psychologically safe environment.

A GROWTH MINDSET is belief in one's ability to learn.

Growth Mindset is not possible unless the community's members trust each other to feel safe enough to take risks. Growth is accelerated via the social interaction of feedback and dialogue.

FEEDBACK AND DIALOGUE is a commitment to open, honest, ongoing, two-way communication.

Feedback and Dialogue is grounded in evidence and valued for its potential to inform improvement.

TRUST AND LISTENING requires integrity, good intentions, and thoughtful consideration of others. 

One of the most effective ways to build trust is through sincere listening to the needs of others. Building trust ensure a safe environment that invites the risk-taking necessary for improvement.

 CONTACT US to discuss what we can do to support a reflective learning culture in your school or district.