There are students who perform better than others. In some cases, this is the result of an environment conducive to learning. As a teacher you need to create this atmosphere to help your pupils reach their full potential.
Many teachers from Salt Lake City high schools cite the following characteristics of a classroom that is ideal for learning.
Encourage Curiosity
Curious students are good students. If they ask a lot of relevant questions, they display real interest to learn more about the lesson. Studies have shown that when a student shows curiosity about a certain topic, they are more eager to go the extra mile and read books, articles, and media that focus around it.
As a teacher, avoid forcing the issue and try to stir interest and curiosity first. Once you ignite this spark, it will be easier to teach and boost student performance.
Premium on Questions
Socrates is a philosopher that valued questions, and he asked a lot of them. Fast forward to today, this way of thinking is still important, especially for students. Nothing kills creativity and brain activity more than rote and forced learning. What usually happens in such cases is the lesson enters one ear and leaves the other after a test.
Teachers that put a premium on questions over answers create an ideal learning environment for students. Start the class with a question and let your students think of possible follow up questions related to the topic. Guide and facilitate the questioning to keep pupils engaged.
Different Sources of Ideas
Students lose inspiration when they think a class is boring and monotonous. They need different types of stimulus to stay engaged. Look for various sources of ideas to maintain the attention of our pupils.
These can come in the form of videos, talks from authorities in the community, guest teachers, books outside (but related to the topic in class), and others. This approach lays the foundation for research and critical thinking once a student moves on to higher levels.
Use of Various Learning Models
Diversify the way you teach to keep your students inspired and attentive. This unpredictability stirs the imagination and keeps each day interesting. You can start projects about a topic that your students love, have them teach for a few days, go for peer-to-peer learning, or do outdoor classes. Diversity helps and encourages learning.
Proper Assessment
Assessment and criticism are important to learning, you can’t just take these out of the equation. Be authentic and show concern to students when you assess their work and grades. Be constructive and tell them how they can do better and identify the mistakes they make, and how they can learn from them.
Transparent Criteria
Students must know the clear definition of “success” in the classroom. Provide them with factors that may boost their grades such as participating in class, behavior, and tests just to name a few. Mention these at the beginning of the semester and stick to it.
These are some of the characteristics of a classroom ideal for learning. Implement these to help your students reach their potential and do well at higher levels.
