Without a classroom climate that encourages inquiry and risk-taking, little critical, creative, or higher level thinking can take place. The teacher builds a climate of openness where students feel free to express and try out ideas. Such a climate promotes mutual respect and acceptance and is free of ridicule and sarcasm. Students' efforts are recognized and encouraged. Teacher has limited rapport with students, rarely encourages inquisitiveness, and discourages interaction and questioning.
Teacher establishes rapport with students, or develops an atmosphere of limited inquiry.
Teacher establishes rapport with students and often encourages inquiry. In addition to 3, the teacher accepts students' ideas, and fosters academic risk-taking. Provides opportunities for students to cooperate, communicate, and interact with each other to enhance learning. It can be effectively used to allow students to practice and extend language skills, share ideas, feel part of the classroom community, and think responsibly and independently. The teacher encourages such communications by allotting time for student interaction, making physical arrangements which promote communication between students, planning appropriate group tasks, and facilitating the sharing of group results.