As an educator, you’ll know that classroom productivity is vital to success. The problem is, sometimes achieving productivity isn’t always easy. No one day in the classroom is the same, and for this reason, it’s essential to keep on analysing your methods and adopting new approaches. The ideal environment to promote the highest levels of classroom productivity is an inspirational space where students feel positive. You’ll want to create a space whereby students are highly motivated towards achieving their learning goals. Let’s consider a few ways that you can facilitate this within a higher education classroom.
Communicate meaningfully with your students
If you wish to promote the highest levels of productivity in your classroom, one of the best things that you can do is to communicate meaningfully with your students. The critical approach to meaningful communication is gaining your students’ opinions on their learning and then letting them have a say in the process. If you allow your students to feel as valued as possible and be a part of the decision making; it’s far more likely that productivity levels will grow. You can do this by asking your students the right questions. Ask them how they feel that their time would be best used when working on a particular project. You can also ask them what they wish to gain from the project overall. Find out which kind of learning style suits them best and if there’s any extra support that they need. It will not be possible to implement every suggestion from every single student, and of course, the teacher will make the final decisions. However, meaningful communication within a higher education classroom can really aid productivity.
Consider your layout
When trying to up productivity levels, it’s a good idea to consider the layout of your classroom. Educational Furniture should be utilized to make the most of the space and to cater to different learning styles. As well as desk space, ensure that you have open spaces that cater efficiently for flexible and collaborative working. Have spaces whereby kinesthetic learners will have the space to move and act things out (should they wish to). As well as this, ensure that the classroom has plenty of natural light to boost endorphins and thus, productivity. A colourful environment that’s clutter-free is also the ideal space to motivate students.
Encourage Reflection
Encourage students to reflect on their working practices so that they can assess their own performance. Self-assessment can allow students to value their own insights, and thus, they will gain productivity. Reflection is an excellent process within a classroom to enable students to better themselves independently. Sometimes, critical (though constructive) feedback from the teacher can feel a little demotivating. It’s often better to ask the student what they think that they could improve on. Reflection encourages continuous learning and helps students to become self-motivated.
Classroom productivity is best aided by creating a happy and relaxed environment so be sure to allow your students enough breaks to recharge. Encourage a safe space whereby everyone’s opinions and beliefs have equal value.
