In this post you will find…

• Reasons why it is important to consider threats and distractions in learning
• Strategies and ideas for eliminating threats and distractions

It’s the beginning of the school year here in Australia and there are lots of anxious students and teachers alike apprehensive of what the new school year will bring. Obviously it is normal to have these feelings at the beginning of the new year when we are not sure what is coming. What about when you are anxious and apprehensive every day and sometimes, every minute of the day? For some of our learners this is their reality. That is why it is important to consider how we, as educators, are eliminating barriers for threats and distractions in our learning spaces to ensure that all learners are ready for learning.

Eliminating Barriers for Threats and Distractions

We know from brain research that the affective network is one of three key networks that drive and influence learning (CAST, 2024). Therefore when we identify a threat, even a perceived threat, our brains kick into survival mode and learning cannot occur (Berger, 2019). As educators, we can not know what will be a threat or distraction for our learners but we can predict and use strategies that will support all our learners when designing learning experiences. The optimal learning space offers options that reduce threats and distractions for all our learners so that learning can occur (CAST, 2024).

 Learners Who Benefit

All learners can benefit from these strategies but, in particular, learners who have experienced trauma, anxiety, English as a Second Language or new learners to our classes to name a few. When we proactively design learning experiences with the notion to eliminate threats and distractions through choice, options, supports and scaffolds we are ensuring that all our learners can experience success in their learning.

Use These Ideas Tomorrow in Your Classroom!

This reflection sheet is a great tool to use when we are planning for learning. These strategies and ideas can be used when designing a learning experience with eliminating barriers for threats and distractions in mind. This is not an extensive list and it is not intended that we use all these strategies all the time. The strategies we use depend on the learning goal and intent of the learning experience.

Next time you are designing a learning experience, have a go at using the reflection sheet to look over the design of the experience. What ways do you eliminated barriers for threats and distractions?

Until next time,

Happy educating

Sam

References

Berger, E., (2019). Five Approaches for Creating Trauma-Informed Classrooms. Education: Monas University. https://www.monash.edu/education/teachspace/articles/five-approaches-for-creating-trauma-informed-classrooms

CAST, (2024). UDL: Minimize Threats and Distractions. CAST.org. https://udlguidelines.cast.org/engagement/recruiting-interest/threats-distractions

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