TPE C-neuroscience

This article reminded me of how important it is to know your students outside of the classroom.  Are there issues at home?  Are they worried about getting a job to support their family?  Are they fighting with their best friend?  When students are disengaged or distracted in class, teachers often forget to be empathetic or understanding to what might be going on in their lives.  Instead, they might label them a "bad student" or a "problem child" and are quick to take disciplinary actions.  When in fact, if a teacher took time to understand the student and show them they care, that student may become more open to what you are trying to do in the classroom.  We can't control what happens in a student's life outside of the classroom, but we can begin to build trust with a student that the classroom is a healthy place for them to be. 

It is important to build a safe, positive and comfortable learning environment.  A student who feels safe in the classroom will learn more.  A student who is surrounded by positivity will thrive more.  A student who feels comfortable will express themselves more.  It is important to teach students in a way that make them want to learn, love to learn and become excited about learning.