Supportive learning environment at schools or in classrooms plays a significant role in students’ development and learning. Positive environment that provides safety, acceptance and respect between students and teachers, as well as students themselves, provides a better learning
experience.
Professional development of teachers is an important component of creating supportive learning environment. The professional development of teachers is key to create successful environment and to enhance teachers’ competences. Professional development starts with initial education
and progress during one's working career. Emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and growth. Teachers’ growth is result of various external and internal factors, because they must navigate through unpredictable complex situations.The theoretical part of the master's thesis concerns different models of teachers’ professional
development, as well as internal and external factors that influence the development of a supportive learning environment. Special attention is given to teaching methods, teaching forms, didactic principles and teacher's competencies for efficient management of the class. The purpose of the thesis is to investigate teacher's professional development and the competences that are mandatory to create supportive learning environment. Classroom climate, classroom management and cognitively challenging instructions are values of a positive
learning environment, since they influence student's physical and psychological well-being, as well as their academic achievements. Teachers who embody adaptability, empathy, innovation and creativity will create a better positive climate in the classroom. Research indicates that
experienced teachers are more competent to easily create supportive learning environment, while the beginners may struggle with discipline issues and motivation of their students. Our goal was to test this in practice. The result of empirical part shows that successful implement of supporting learning environment directly correspond to different stages of teacher's development. The career phase
of teacher dictates teacher's approach to creating a positive learning environment. Less experienced teachers focus more on discipline, while experienced teachers prioritize learning and students’ engagement. Structured lessons provide a better work conditions and easier
managing of the class. Teachers also emphasize the importance of respectful relations, collaborative activities, individualization, differentiation and students’ inclusion which are key elements in this process. Interviewed teachers are using different teaching methods and teaching forms, which are adjusted to learning goals, students and classroom. Teachers’ competences are crucial in creating supportive learning environment, which comes through education, self-reflection and teamwork. Despite the challenges such as lack of time, poor resources and administrative duties, interviewed teachers evaluate themselves as successful in gaining competences and creating supportive learning environment. Our findings confirm that these theoretical claims are proved to be true in practice. We also came to conclusions, which are contributed to better understanding, how teachers’ professional development impacts on creating a supportive learning environment.
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