Accelerated Learning

There are various ways in which we can adapt the learning environment so that it caters for the PHYSICAL needs of our students. 

• Classrooms should be warm (but not excessively hot), clean, welcoming, bright and colourful.
• Furniture needs to be comfortable and capable of being easily moved to ensure variety.
• The layout of the room should be inviting, suggesting the prospect of interesting activity.
• Displays of posters, models, learning resources, etc. will stimulate enquiry and interest.  (Change displays frequently.)
• Students should have free access to water (and the toilet!)

We can meet the PSYCHOLOGICAL needs of our students. 

• Each student should be greeted by name and made to feel welcome.
• We can remove stress by maintaining a calm and purposeful demeanour and expecting our students to do the same.
• Routines (for giving out books and materials, tidying up, etc.) help to establish order (though we should beware of allowing excessive routine to dull the quality of the learning experience itself).
• It is important to have consistent expectations of every student.  (Do not keep “moving the goalposts”.)

We can encourage the development of PERSONAL esteem in our students.

• Welcome each child by name and use names frequently in a positive way.
• Make a point of commending and rewarding good behaviour.
• Praise those who engage in the learning process.  Even if their answers to questions are wrong, make it clear that you welcome their efforts.
• Treat all suggestions seriously, encouraging students to explain or justify their ideas where necessary.
• Allow students to have fun – on the understanding that this does not interfere with the learning process.