Pedagogical Strategies for Developing a Riskable Classroom

by John Kellermeier

• Learn students' first names.
• Set the tone the first day.
• Have students write journals.
• Do quick assessment at the end of every class.
• Use an open discussion format.
• Reinforce students' contributions.
• Give value to attempts and expositions.
• Encourage students to work collaboratively.
• Give stickers or stamps for good grades
• Don't use red ink to correct papers.
• Allow "cheat sheets" for tests.
• Give rebates for tests.
• Use relevant word problems.
• Model risk taking.

from: Kellermeier, J. (1996). Feminist pedagogy in teaching general education mathematics: Creating the riskable classroom. Feminist Teacher, 10(1), 8-11.

©2009 John Kellermeier