Teacher tips: Seven ways to promote a productive learning environment
Creating a productive learning environment is one of the most critical steps to help children grow, and can play a vital role in their academic achievements.
By establishing a positive space, children are more likely to respond to lessons, thus absorbing more information.
In this article, we’ll talk about seven ways that you can promote a productive learning environment.
1) Encourage collaboration and teamwork
While you may think being separate will encourage children to be more productive, that isn’t always the case.
In some circumstances, encouraging collaboration and cooperation can allow children to have fun when working together. This way they absorb more information. It also makes for a great lesson, if you are looking to shake things up a bit.
Try arranging the tables so that they are facing each other for group assignments. When choosing teams, draw the names out of a hat, so everybody gets a chance to work together. While this isn’t suitable for every day, implementing at least one teamwork task into the weekly plan is a great choice.
2) Put in place classroom rules
Unfortunately, being a teacher means that you’re the one who has to put all the rules in place. It’s not always fun, but it is an essential step in improving the productivity of your classroom.
If someone believes they can get away with breaking the rules, they will keep doing it. This can then cause further distractions throughout your class.
At the start of the year, make a list of your classroom rules, put it on the wall and share it with the class. Try to explain to them why the rules are in place, and why they won’t be tolerated. By demonstrating it early on, there will be no excuses for disruptive behavior.
3) Reward positive behavior
Rewarding positive behavior is another great step to help promote a productive environment. For example, giving out a stamp or sticker will encourage others to follow down the same path.
You might even pull out the old reward chart, or have teams work together for a prize. It’s a simple and very effective method that has been used for generations.
4) Ask for feedback regularly
Asking for the children for feedback regularly is a great way to improve their interest and can also help you develop lesson plans. At the end of the week, you might ask everyone what their favorite things were, and what they would like to do again.
By involving them in decision-making, they feel accepted, respected, and interested in what is next to come!
5) Order new supplies to encourage interest
An exciting space with new supplies is always a great way to promote productivity in a classroom and can also be used as a reward for their behavior. If they are responding well for lessons, you might pull out a new game or resource for them to use.
It’s also important to keep the room bright and exciting, so the children are motivated when they first walk into your classroom. Search for decoration for classroom if you’re looking to brighten up the space with unique, themed products.
6) Establish a safe space for all students
One of the main reasons why children may not be listening or engaging in class is because of other problems, either at home or in the playground. It’s important to establish a safe space that all of your children feel respected in. This way, they can come to you with any questions.
For a lesson idea, talk with all the children about the importance of not judging those around us, and why bullying is wrong. This way, everyone understands that a classroom is a place where they can speak freely.
7) Allow beneficial distractions
Lastly, another great idea to improve productivity in the classroom is to allow beneficial distractions. This is the process of taking short breaks during work, that are still rewarding.
For example, a quick exercise break or group class activity can allow the brain to regenerate and focus again. Trust us when we say it makes a huge difference!
And that’s it! By following some of these seven steps, you can create a positive and productive space that can allow children to grow and learn. By being enthusiastic and optimistic, you can help students to be themselves, and share their thoughts without fear of judgment.
As Mark Van Doren once said, “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”
