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The EARN Model Applied
Everything is on purpose.
We took an in-depth look at two of the
school culture drivers within the EARN Model. We focused on
Environment and Atmosphere.
ENVIRONMENT
The physical space of a school can be a powerful context. The space
can be used to inform, promote, calm, energize, lead, comfort and
inspire.
Two dynamics that we understand from our
work with the Triune Brain Model are:
Prospect
Humans are designed to hunt. We have eyes on the front of our heads
and our visual channel trumps all other types of stimulation. With
that in mind, it's important to assess our learning environments and
ensure that they provide our inner "hunter" with plenty of
stimulation.
Make sure that students are surrounded
with information and that they have spaces in which to connect.
Some good ideas for this are K-Walls,
themed learning spaces, brightly colored high-traffic zones and
outdoor spaces with many vantage points.
Refuge
Humans also need places of refuge. They need places to feel safe
after the hunt. Small spaces that are comfortable, intimate and
quiet. Provide students with soft spaces throughout the school where
they can find refuge from the masses to reflect.
Some good ideas are learning lounges,
quiet zones, no-tech zones, low-light areas, dark/richly colored
spaces and single-purpose areas.
ATMOSPHERE
School cultures create the
atmosphere of a learning community. The best way for school leaders
to lay the ground work for a successful school culture is to define
the standards of participation for staff, students and parents. Take
the time to brainstorm exactly what you want your school culture to
be like. Then make it transparent to everyone. This will create a
framework or context for the way work will get done.
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