A successful classroom isn’t just about books and resources; it’s about creating an environment where students feel valued, heard and empowered to succeed
A thriving learning classroom is grounded in the way the students perceive their classroom. It’s not just about utilising the appropriate resources but establishing a space where students feel recognised, heard and valued. Teachers are the key catalysts in making this possible by nurturing a balanced, cohesive and well-organised environment that allows students to reach their potential. By implementing strategies to cater to individual requirements, connect thoughtfully, and commemorate milestones, educators can establish an educational atmosphere that supports progress, self-esteem, and teamwork.
Teachers can build a positive and inspiring learning space:
Develop a sense of anticipation: Teachers should give explicit instructions and procedures to their students so that they feel comfortable. When students know what comes next, their interaction with the lesson increases and their belief in their learning abilities is enhanced, leading to a serene and concentrated mood. Address students’ needs. No student is entirely similar to another in the classroom. Instructors should appreciate academic and emotional needs and take a personalised approach to materials, attention, and motivation .
Welcome learners into the classroom First impression means a lot. A simple smiling morning wish makes students receive and look forward to the day. A welcoming environment causes active involvement and participation in the class’s activities.
Interact with students Ideally, this should help prepare a powerful fondness between teachers and students. Teachers must take an active role in students’ lives; they should ask questions and pay attention to the answers. This builds trust, develops reading skills, and makes students want to speak more.Team-building activitiesTeam-building activities help in practising directives and showing appreciation to others.
Be experiential Sometimes, the mistakes, failings and losses of the teachers make the learning environment comfortable and emotionally intelligent. This ensures that students are encouraged to connect and share, indicating that learning is collective and not individual.
Celebrate success and appreciate students:Recognising and celebrating students’ achievements enhances their self-confidence and encourages them to try again. Teachers must reward such behaviour with verbal appreciation, prizes, or other forms of reward in the classroom.
Avoid judgement: Acceptance and open-mindedness are evident in a conducive learning environment. Judgement should not be attached to the students so that the students can feel free to explore and even commit mistakes without being laughed at.
Suppress anger and act strategically: Emotional regulation is expected from the teachers. Keeping cool during conflicts or problems serves as a good decorum for the students’ emotions and problem-solving skills, this practice leads to a learning environment that is calm and goal-oriented.
Listen to their thoughts
Allowing students to express their opinions also encourages them to take responsibility for their learning. Studies suggest that teachers should nurture students to enable them to speak their minds.
Acknowledge feedback: The teachers should encourage and respond to any feedback from their students. If the students are appreciated for their response, then the atmosphere becomes interactive. Simple activities such as organising the room, attending to students, or recognising achievement encourage teachers to design a safe, friendly, and welcoming space for students. A welcoming and nurturing classroom facilitates academic achievement among learners and emotional and social development.
(The writer is principal of Modern School; views are personal)
