Students aren’t born talented rather talent gets nurtured with right practice over the period of considerable time. Individual’s personality, willingness to learn, and overall disposition plays an important role towards their development. Providing students the basic knowledge along with the right motivation can enhance their learning abilities.
Stepping beyond Classrooms
Most often parents and teachers confine the development of students within the classrooms or at homes. They can try to enhance the education procedure by extending outside the classroom walls, by adopting innovative and interactive procedures that would draw children’s attention towards studies, and make it a worthwhile experience. Moving beyond the classroom will boost a child’s desire and ability to learn.
Developing Students’ Reading Skills
Reading is a key to improve learning capabilities. If children develop the love for reading, they will also develop the love for learning. It helps them not only to develop a richer vocabulary, but also assists the brain to grasp new processes, concepts, and formal communication. Reading enhances students’ abilities and performance in different subjects.
Parents can read books to their children frequently, which will generate their interest in reading books. Creating a family reading time at home will create an atmosphere of reading and will make the children aware of how important reading is. Students can be transformed into good readers by making reading a fun experience rather than a frustrating one. If students consider reading as frustrating and boring, they will never develop the ability to learn. Allowing children to pick a book of their own choice to read will motivate them and will make reading a fun experience.
Providing Freedom and Flexibility
Many students feel that they are controlled when it comes to education. As a result, they often withdraw from learning, which is detrimental to their education. Parents and teachers should work together and guide them towards the learning process. They should also allow the students to take charge of their own learning process. This will make them feel more empowered and will encourage them to actively participate in studies.
Room for Straightforward and Earnest Communication
Parents should regularly discuss with their children about studies. Communication will create an open atmosphere where students will be able to express their likes, dislikes, problems, and concerns about studies. When a student shares their views, parents should make sure to validate their ward’s feelings– even if they disagree.
If a child feels that their parents aren’t valuing their feelings and respecting their opinions, they may disengage from the learning process. Good learners will realize that their opinion is valued and will open up about their educational experience without the fear of being judged, discouraged, or ignored.
Child’s Interest Matters
If children are exposed to their relevant interest areas, then learning becomes a fun experience. Parents and teachers should encourage children to explore topics and subjects that fascinate them. This will encourage them to participate in studies more actively. For example, if a student likes dinosaurs, parents and teachers can help them to collect interesting facts and data about the same. They can also challenge them to identify their favorite dinosaurs and explain why they like that very dinosaur.
Sharing the Enthusiasm for Learning
Parents and teachers should be enthusiastic about learning and education. They should regularly discuss various educational topics with their students. If the child sees their parents showing interest and dedication towards learning, they would also most likely become interested in studies and actively participate in the same.
Encouraging Game-Based Learning
Game-based learning not only provides scope for in-depth learning, but also motivates students to learn more. It develops non-cognitive skills of students and ensures active children participation. Actively engaging in a new game enables an individual’s mind to experience the pleasure of learning a new system. It also provides parents and teachers with the scope to introduce new ideas, concepts, and techniques in an innovative manner. Both education and entertainment oriented games motivate a student to engage more in learning procedures. Playing games also develops teamwork and competitive aspects among students; they try harder at games to win not only for themselves, but also for their team.
Celebrating Achievements
Children should always be encouraged for their achievements, no matter how small they are. Students require constant motivation to improve, learn, and challenge themselves for betterment of their future. Recognizing their major achievements by giving them a treat will boost their morale. For example, if a student excels in the school examinations, parents can reward them by treating them with their favorite food. Positive feedback and praises can motivate students to perform better.
Grooming children from a young age will be beneficial for their educational and career development. Constant support and care from parents and teachers alike can play a major role in educational and overall development of the students.
— Ananda Kamal Das
