Learning is a great experience when students get to know about new things in life. The process tastes success when a student gains ability to apply what he has learnt in school in real life. The psychology of learning says a student’s behavior is greatly influenced by his learning process. As we all know, knowledge is power and perception is temporary. In fact, knowledge gained through good education can change the way a person perceives things around them. Learning is not just something we experience in classrooms or schooldays, but it is an ongoing process throughout our lifetime. In fact, the learning starts at the very first day of your life; the first teacher is your parent and first school is your home.School authorities and teachers are looking for effective ways to provide students a better learning experience. However, understanding the student mindset and working out proper strategies is the key to optimize their learning. Each student in a classroom thinks differently when a new subject is introduced. Differentiated teaching techniques and personalized approaches can make positive changes in the student mindset. Making them understand how the real time feedbacks and constructive criticism can benefit them in the long run of learning is the key. A good classroom with significant teaching values can make an impact on the way a student think and promotes growth mindset in them.

Learning styles

Students will have a productive learning time if they are allowed to follow their own preferred learning style.There are lots of learning styles that are discovered and used so far, out of which seven special styles are gaining much appreciation. The learning styles in fact have a significant impact on the way students understand the subject, recall the information and apply it in real life. Have a look at the different learning styles.

Using sightIn this learning style, images, colours, pictures and maps are used effectively to manage information and execute communication. A student uses his mind’s eye to visualize ideas, objects and outcomes. Visual art, photography and architecture are the key areas of focus when using this learning approach. A student adopts one or more of the approaches when learning through visuals.

• Mind maps: Student replaces bulk of texts with keywords and pictures and uses colours to easily connect between the differences.
• Systems diagrams: The links between the system parts are visualized in a structured way by replacing words with pictures.
• Visual story: Students can memorize lengthy step wise procedures through a well connected visual story.

Using songs or rhythms

This is one of the most proven learning styles that are used right from the elementary classes. Rhymes and music will be the key elements used in the learning process. These students would find it easy to understand and recall information that is reinforced in the form of sound. They might have difficulty in understanding a drawing or writing but easily picks up information through listening. They won’t be comfortable with answering timed tests or reading passages. Let us have a look at the way auditory learners prefer to study:

• Rhythm: They can easily understand information presented with a rhythm. They would prefer lessons in the form of rhymes or songs that easily connects
• Speeches, lectures and oral sessions are more favourable for them and they can easily write responses to lectures
• They prefer talking to themselves when completing a task and like music as background while learning.

Speaking out loud the information

This kind of learners finds it easy to express in both written and verbal form. Reading out content loud is a good approach for verbal learners and they always try to make it dramatic that helps them at time of recall.Word based techniques are the best ways through which they pick up learning. Assertions and scripting are among the top approaches.These people can learn lists of information with mnemonics.Recording scripts using digital form and reviewing later sounds very effective for these learners.Verbal exchanges in the form of negotiations, radio calls or sales can be a good strategy to learn things quickly.

Using touch and taste to explore the information

This is one of the scientifically proven learning styles that work well for a majority of student groups. They prefer physical activities rather than sitting idle and listening to lectures or watching demos. This can be combined with visual and auditory methods to benefit from multisensory learning. These are the favourable approaches of kinesthetic learners:

• They love to learn new things through action, touch, movement and hands-on activities.
• These learners use more objects such as flashcards while learning and utilize the magic of touch and feel to memorize what they have learnt.
• Skills can be practiced through activities, either as single or in groups
• Writing and drawing out subjects using big sheets and colour pens can play the trick for them.

A more mathematical approach to concepts

This category of learners would like to use their brain as part of learning, mostly through mathematical reasoning. Recognizing patterns of information is their skill and they can easily group or classify information by establishing connection between them. They can sometimes do calculations in mind without the need of any paper or pen.

• They create and make use of lists by extorting key points from the content
• They analyze parts of the training or learning and establish connections
• They work out problems by exploring the logical reasoning behind the conclusion

Learning in groups

These types of learners prefer learning in groups as they can easily communicate well with others both verbally and non-verbally. They love to interact with others and learn things by discussing, listening and sharing ideas. They will develop the skill to handle variations and reciprocate well while working towards a common target. Here are a few approaches loved by interpersonal learners:

• Study groups with students of similar interests can invoke their thirst for learning and improve their collaboration skills
• Role play activities can improve their leadership qualities.
• Activities such as debates help them to express their views while respecting others’ views.

Learning alone

This category of students would love to spend time for introspective, more private, and independent learning. They prefer to focus on their feelings, instincts and thoughts while approaching a subject. They give importance to self analysis and track their own challenges and accomplishments from past experiences. They are confident about their aptitude and skills and work out problems on their own. Students who prefer a solitary style of learning usually do the following things during their learning time:

• Personal thoughts are recorded through journal or diary
• Events are saved for future reference through personal logs
• They work alone and quietly and learns from self reflection

Optimize Learning process

It is the role of teachers to utilize the resources optimally to improve student learning.Treat each student as separate individuals with a different level of understanding and let them get the most out of the classroom sessions.However, the idea of individualized learning may not work every time in a classroom with more than 40 to 50 students.In addition to teaching them different subjects, the ultimate goal of teachers is to prepare students for success.With the easy availability of information and advanced resources, learning is now a more flexible process.Their ability should be developed to a point where they can see things from different perspectives and move forward with a personalized approach to the things they do.Here are a few strategies that teachers can adopt to optimize the learning process and help students have a productive classroom experience.

Develop a growth Mindset:

Students who have a fixed mindset are more likely to fall back in the process of learning at some point of time.So it is highly important for teachers to develop a growth mindset in them and let them explore the world of learning.

• Inspire them to see challenges as opportunities
• Train them to embrace imperfections
• Make them understand that failures are stepping stones to success
• Teach them that learning process is always important and not just the end result.
• Always have a sense of purpose when set out for learning.
• Help them to accept constructive criticism as a powerful tool for progress.

The Power of practice and regular study:

The systematic practice of what is learnt is important to keep that in memory and apply it in real life.As the proverb suggests, practice makes a man perfect.So help students to understand the importance of practice and regular study.Some students have the habit of studying everything together just before exams and it results in their poor performance.So it is always ideal to study the daily lessons and revise the lessons in a regular interval of time so that it stays in their memory.Teachers can also help in the process by conducting weekly tests or assessments and make them study the lessons on a regular basis.Give them a chance to get hands on experience in the subjects which provides them a better understanding.

Creative Learning:

Students who develop creative thinking and learning are more likely to learn better and excel in their studies.So teachers can take initiative to help them have a creative space in classroom and help them to enjoy the learning.

Here are some other ways teacher can adopt to trigger creative learning:
• Integrate more hands-on learning
• Classroom layout can be made flexible
• Use design thinking
• Promote team building exercises

Deep learning:

A combination of technology and conventional learning can be a good option to promote deep learning.This helps students to gain transferable knowledge which is the most important end result of true learning.This can be achieved by uncovering knowledge through creative teaching methods and not always sticking to teaching scripted curriculum.Teacher should consider shifting their role to a motivator or guide where students follow some independent learning.

• Lessons can be designed with flexible learning paths
• Informally assess students
• Encourage collaboration
• Promote real world learning.
• Pair struggling learners with experts

Brainstorming

Brain storming promotes thinking skills in students which helps them to grasp the lessons in a much better way.In fact, advanced brainstorming sessions aids them to stretch their thinking skills to a great extent that enables them to eliminate the fear of risk taking.Teachers can come up with brainstorming questions for single individuals or as a team activity.Students can be given the freedom to come up with ideas without the fear of mistakes.

Motivation:

A classroom set up that motivates the student every single time they enter the place can really make a difference.Give a clear definition of what is expected out of them in classroom and exams to avoid last minute confusion and that result in lowered self esteem.Teachers and students can together pin up motivational posters in the walls of the classroom and inspire each other to perform better.It is important to create a classroom space where students can freely express their ideas and concerns.

• Promote positive competition in class
• Give rewards for a success
• Give them a partial control of classroom activities
• Bring in variety of teaching methods

Goal Setting:

Visualizing goals with timelines is an amazing way to empower students to learn better.A clear vision and a motivating atmosphere can help them to develop a creative way of achieving goals.Inspire them to set up goals to better their own performances and not to compare with other students.