It was when I became aware of the importance of my mindset that I noticed the magic really starting to happen in the classroom. I started to realise that it was the changing of my own mindset that needed to be the catalyst for change. It was through this shift in my own thinking that I realised it would be possible to create shifts in the way the children would think and operate. And it was this process that led to learning outcomes for all students starting to improve. It was then that undesirable behaviours started to disappear. It was that shift in my mindset that allowed for the natural curiosity, that all children possess, to come to the fore.

Every day I am discovering that we are all wired to be kind and compassionate. This human condition is innate but sometimes lies dormant. It may need a spark to be activated. It’s a condition that needs to be created deliberately. If done correctly, an environment can exist in which kindness and compassion will flourish. An environment that will embody dignity and respect. But it does take time.

There needs to be lots of conversations. Conversations that highlight the reality that, the classroom belongs to everyone. The teacher needs to convey the sense that everyone is important and equal; that a common goal exists. That’s because people are naturally more likely to invest in themselves if they believe that their community is willing to invest in them. It’s possible that this kind of environment can be made to become self-sustaining. Success will lead to success. There will be a sense that everyone is moving towards a common goal. Collaboration will be prevalent.

It is the teacher that has the power to make this happen. The teacher is the catalyst. Teachers need to be able to see the children as amazing beings, worthy of investing in. They also need to be agile and flexible and have a problem solving attitude. Solutions to problems need to be simple and sustainable over a long time. If punitive approaches to behaviour are being relied on, then something needs to change. The root of the problem needs to be found. It can be found if there is a willingness to look with honesty and integrity.

Of course, this all confirms the research. “Teacher/student relationship” is a key criteria for making learning effective. It really does make sense. And fortunately for me, I get to witness it everyday in the classroom.

Ease Education: Teaching at a human scale.

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