Factors to consider when choosing a school.

A universally acknowledged fact is that the human brain thrives in an environment of positivity. This is also true for learning. The best international schools in Mumbai follow pedagogical techniques that create a positive learning space for their learners. These schools know the importance of a balanced environment in terms of academic and mental well-being of all stakeholders. Creating a positive environment for learning in schools can have a huge impact on the way students assimilate learning. Here are a few tips to create and sustain a positive learning environment in schools.

1. Formal and Informal Interactions in the classroom.

Interactions help in a change of perspective and development of mental growth. Whilst teachers interact formally with the students in the class, getting to know the students informally and developing a connect with them can greatly enhance the dynamics of the classroom. This can be a stepping stone in creating a positive learning environment in class. Use of creative strategies, utilizing humor and technology are some of the techniques that you can try in the classroom. Peer interactions are also one of the most foolproof ways to gauge class dynamics.

2. Allow students to be independent

Students love it when they are in charge of their learning. You can allow the students to make small decisions in their learning process. This greatly enhances their engagement and boost the positive undertaking in the class with respect to tasks and responsibility.

3. Recognition of accomplishments

Recognizing students for their successes instantly creates a sense of positivity within the students. Research has shown that recognition of achievements leads to release to feel-good hormones in the body which elevates intrinsic motivation as well. Identify the processes and the skills that led them to excel at the task. Recognize the efforts taken by the students and then talk to them about the same. A take away could be further goal setting or strengthening weaknesses.

4. Modelling behaviour

Modelling behaviour is a visual and a verbal reminder of expectations set during the assigned task. It empowers the students to observe what outcomes look like. Additionally, modelling not only helps in academic learning but also in observing and emulating skills such as fine motor and gross motor skills. Modelling may teach an entirely novel behaviour, influence a prior behaviour, or increase the occurrence of an expected behaviour. Changing the mind-set of the classroom begins with modelling such behaviour allowing positivity to percolate into your students through your behaviour.

5. Consistency in following routines

Routines reinforce and enhance healthy sense of order and the best way to start these is with greeting your students at the beginning of the day. This not only sets the tone for the day but also leads the teachers to identify behavioral patterns among the students. The best schools in Mumbai have a dedicated time at the beginning of the year to set routines. Though this may take time to establish, having a routine at the school level or class level is always beneficial. Routines can be created for class where the agenda is set for the class and is clearly written or they can be created for transition time between the classes where the students set up their tables for the next class. Teachers in International schools in Mumbai follow routines which helps them manage and govern class code of conduct.

6. Allow follies

If you have not made mistakes, then you haven’t lived. This can absolutely relate to any classroom. There can never be a class without its fair share of gaffes. Mistakes allow learning and growth. Talking to children about making mistakes is essential. Conversations about mistakes being a part of life will prepare them for unforeseen circumstances. Anticipating mistakes can direct children to overcome them eventually leading to a sense of accomplishment and positivity. To create a positive and balanced environment, speak with children about the importance of making mistakes and in some cases mistakes being the only way to do better.

Educators in the best international schools in Mumbai have known the importance of positivity and the effects it has on learning. Choosing to address positivity with simple conversations reassures the children about someone being there.