The Power of Positive and Restorative Learning Environments in Education

This episode takes a closer look at how creating supportive learning environments through trauma-informed practices and restorative justice can fundamentally transform the classroom landscape. It emphasises the importance of recognising student’s backgrounds to nurture and heal relationships, thereby enhancing learning outcomes.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Kristin Reimer and Peter Langham share their extensive experiences in creating supportive and transformative learning environments within complex school communities. They outline the essential elements for fostering nurturing educational spaces that effectively support students’ emotional and educational growth. Together they also discuss the use of trauma-informed care and its integration into daily classroom strategies to enhance and strengthen both teacher and student interactions and relationships.

Together, we explore:

• Insights into Kristin’s and Peter’s motivations for specialising in creating supportive learning environments, including Kristin’s experiences teaching in North Korea.
• The development of supportive classrooms at Monterey Secondary College in response to its complex community needs.
• What elements are essential for creating nurturing and effective educational spaces.
• How trauma-informed care integrates into standard classroom settings.
• Discussing the alignment of trauma-informed and high-impact teaching strategies and how these approaches complement each other to improve learning.
• The importance of recognising and addressing trauma in students.
• Exploring the connection with trauma-informed practices and its focus on repairing relationships.
• The importance of teacher support and professional development of staff to sustain these environments.
• The active role of students in understanding and shaping their own learning experiences.
• Techniques for long-term maintenance of supportive educational settings.

This conversation is rich with actionable insights and is a must-listen for educators looking to embrace a more holistic and inclusive approach to teaching. Join us now on Let’s Talk Teaching.

Resources:

• Berry Street Model
• The Little Book of Restorative Justice in Education - Katherine Evans and Dorothy Vaandering
• Becoming a trauma informed restorative educator - Joe Brummer and Margaret Thorsborne
• Restorative Schools Australia
• Implementing Trauma Informed Pedagogies
• The Transformative Power of Trauma Informed Positive Education

Special Guests:

Dr Kristin Reimer

Senior Lecturer in Restorative Justice and Relational Pedagogies - Monash University
Associate Head of School, School of Education, Culture and Society - Monash University

Peter Langham

Principal - Monterey Secondary College, Frankston North

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We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.