Students want to learn, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll learn in all environments. If the classroom is dark, dingy, and uninspiring, then you can’t be all that surprised if they’re falling asleep midway through the lesson!
For full engagement, the learning environment must be positive and uplifting. It must inspire the students to forego the reservations they may have about learning.
Happily, putting together a positive learning environment is something that’s within your control. In this post, we’ll run through a few handy strategies that should make all the difference.
Nurture Relationships
Your students will be much more motivated to learn if they feel like you have a personal relationship with them. And that, of course, won’t happen on its own — it’s something that you’ll need to nurture, from the very first day of school to the last. Things like addressing them by name, remembering details of their lives, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses can make all the difference. It’s also recommended to nurture relationships with the parents, too — having a connection with mum and dad can really encourage the student to go the extra mile.
Put Together an Inspiring Learning Space
It’s not just how they’re taught that impacts the student experience, but where. If it’s an uninspiring environment, then you can’t be all that surprised if they’re looking a little lost out there in the classroom. There’s no shortage of ways to add a little inspiration to your learning space. For instance, you could add some school wall art graphics to the classroom, incorporate plants and other calming touches, or even play music as the students arrive. The goal is to create an environment that puts them in the right mindset for learning. Also, keep in mind that having an organised, clutter-free space is paramount — they won’t learn if the environment is chaotic!
Set High Expectations
Standards can quickly slip if they’re not maintained. Setting and maintaining high expectations is essential for encouraging the students to learn. It’s the standards of the classroom that remind them what they’re there for — and which prevent them from engaging in high jinks and other behaviours that stop themselves and others from learning.
Positive Reinforcement
You can’t guarantee that a student will get everything right at all times. What you can do is ensure that they have the attitude and traits that will increase their chances of achieving academic success. Rewarding hard work, effort, and perseverance gives students confidence that they’re on the right track, so make sure you take the time to celebrate their victories whenever possible.
Stay Positive
Finally, remember that you’re not just there to deliver the learning materials — you’re also in charge of the tone of the classroom. If you can maintain a cheery and positive attitude, then that will come across to the students. They may come in with their own mood, but if you can meet them with positive energy, then it’ll be much more likely that they get themselves in the right headspace for learning.