Postive Classroom Culture: Community of Practice
In the summer of 2025, the BLE ran a dynamic and supportive session designed specifically for staff delivering face-to-face work with students in HE. Together, we explored real-world classroom challenges—such as student engagement, group dynamics, and behavioural issues—in a safe, inclusive, and collaborative space.
Through a short pre-session survey, the content was tailored to reflect the priorities and experiences of the attendees, facilitated via a balance of open discussion, shared insights, and hands-on problem-solving.
As a result of this initial session, this practical toolkit of strategies was developed to help colleagues
Following the first session, a Community of Practice was established and we now run meetings twice a term - alternating between online only and face-to-face only. The meetings offer a chance for colleagues to connect, reflect, and build confidence with each other. To create a safe space for colleagues to share, the sessions are not recorded.
Suggested topics for sessions include:
Our sessions are facilitated by Dr Laura Green (Birkbeck Education and Student Experience Directorate) and Sarah Sherman (BLE). If you would like to receive an invite to a future session, please contact us here.
Through a short pre-session survey, the content was tailored to reflect the priorities and experiences of the attendees, facilitated via a balance of open discussion, shared insights, and hands-on problem-solving.
As a result of this initial session, this practical toolkit of strategies was developed to help colleagues
- foster a positive and inclusive learning environment
- confidently manage emerging classroom challenges
- sustain their own wellbeing in the process
Following the first session, a Community of Practice was established and we now run meetings twice a term - alternating between online only and face-to-face only. The meetings offer a chance for colleagues to connect, reflect, and build confidence with each other. To create a safe space for colleagues to share, the sessions are not recorded.
Suggested topics for sessions include:
- Narratives of vulnerability.
- Managing student use of ChatGPT (and other GenAI tools).
- Managing hyflex/hybrid/blended teaching.
- Managing student expectations.
- Encouraging student-led opportunities and how to handle pushback from students.
Our sessions are facilitated by Dr Laura Green (Birkbeck Education and Student Experience Directorate) and Sarah Sherman (BLE). If you would like to receive an invite to a future session, please contact us here.
