Staff
Amit Kothari, Executive Committee Member of Education Business Group, shares long-term strategies that private schools can consider to foster positive learning
Children are spending most of their time in the classroom and are back to almost the normal routine prior to the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way schools operate, and the way learning is conducted. Moving forward, it is essential for schools to ensure a safe learning space that fosters collaboration, encourages innovation, and sheds light on the importance of well-being.
Here are some long-term strategies that private schools in GCC need to consider to help shape the generation of tomorrow.
Well-being awareness
As students adapt to the new normal, mental well-being has become an outspoken, top priority for children, adolescents, parents and teachers alike. It is thus essential for teachers to listen to any concerns they may have and demonstrate understanding as well as empathy. Regular check-ins have been implemented in some of the schools to offer students the opportunity to have one-to-one conversations with their teachers and reconnect in an open environment.
For younger kids, teachers tend to be role models and help shape their students in their transformation into young adults. It is common for children to mirror the way adults around them behave, so it is important for teachers to watch their actions and remain calm. Today, schools have been progressively incorporating mental health into the lives of children with activities such as yoga, meditation practices and breathing techniques. Additionally, schools have assigned dedicated well-being officers on campus along with school counsellors to guide and support students.
Sustainability and eco-literacy
Schools need to adhere to a ‘sustainability first’ ethos and maintain a green environment, initiate ecological activities, and ensure the inclusion of eco-literacy in the curriculum. Project-based education and place-based learning are great ways to introduce kids to environmental responsibility. From growing their own fruits and vegetables, separating recycling bins and reducing plastic use, to joining beach clean-ups, eco-friendly activities can become the stepping–stone to building a sustainable mindset from a young age. Place-based learning also invites children to learn about the environment and study science in ecological locations and learn first-hand about nature.
From an operational perspective, schools could work towards minimising their environmental impact, utilising solar power for energy needs, recycling water for agricultural use, and implementing waste separation and wind energy generation.
Collaboration
Fostering collaboration between students helps build interpersonal skills that prepare them for the real world. Free play contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of a child. When schools don’t incorporate play into the curriculum, they tend to lack communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills. When children play, they learn to work together and figure things out without help from a teacher or an adult.
Interactive Learning Centres are another teaching strategy that can enhance the likelihood of positive peer social interaction among students. The great thing about learning centres is that they are structured in a way that students interact with one another.
Safe learning space
Today, most public and private schools follow anti-bullying policies to protect children and encourage a friendly and inclusive environment. As most reported bullying situations arise at schools, staff and teachers should possess the know-how and tools to resolve such issues. Certificates such as mediation classes and conflict resolution workshops are necessary for teachers to effectively manage these situations. As some children are more reserved, teachers could be aware of the warning signs – for example, sudden withdrawal from activities, loss of appetite, and change of attitude towards learning and friendships.
In line with the anti-bullying programme organised by the Council of the UAE in collaboration with UNICEF, schools in Dubai are continuously ensuring to build healthy and progressive relations between students, parents, caregivers and educational staff members.
These strategies are an embodiment of the UAE’s leadership’s vision to provide a holistic environment that builds future generations, and also support students to cultivate relationships and ensure a prosperous future.
