There are over 8 million research articles about education. Consequently, schools and other educational institutions have a long list of what makes the perfect environment for learning. This includes:
- Large windows to allow natural light, however glare does need to be minimised
- Using full spectrum fluorescent lamps with ultraviolet supplements
- A room temperature of 20℃
- Using mechanical ventilation or opening windows to reduce CO2 levels
- Having an attractive physical environment with an intermediate level of stimulation
- Permanent displays of student artwork
- Ergonomic furniture
- Presence of breakout zones
- Having a classroom with a squarer shape
- Having predominantly light coloured walls, with a bright coloured feature wall and bright coloured furniture and carpets
Together, these classroom characteristics account for about 16% of the variability in students’ learning progress. Then there are more studies examining personal characteristics of the educators themselves, and curriculum composition, and classroom management strategies, and how much homework is assigned, and… and… and.
A whole lot of money is funnelled into determining the best way to help students learn.
While I’m not going to argue that this money is wasted (after all, knowing that preschoolers prefer a blue feature wall while older children prefer red is exactly the cutting edge research that I want my tax payer dollars to be invested in), I think that the two most important factors in student learning aren’t going to turn up in the research. These factors are difficult, maybe even impossible to quantify. Yet when these two crucial ingredients are present, none of the rest matters.
“Knowing that we’re valued and being in the presence of people who want to share with us something of this world that they love are the two most important ingredients of education.”
Mr Rogers
Knowing and loving.
When kids feel known, seen, and valued, they are ready to learn. If they feel stressed, unwanted, or like just another bum in the seat, they’re not going to have the necessary mindset for learning.
And when the educators know and love the topic they teach, their eyes sparkle with curiosity and wonder and their enthusiasm is infectious. It’s impossible not to pick something up when you’re in the room with someone who loves what they are teaching.
As parents, how can we bring more of these crucial ingredients into our kids’ lives?
We can help our kids feel valued by:
- Expressing our love to them and spending quality time with them
- Developing a good relationship with any teachers, coaches, or mentors in our kids’ lives
- Valuing our kids’ autonomy in chasing the topics and experiences they are interested in, rather than only the things we deem to be important
And we can help our kids be in the presence of people who want to share things they love by:
- Sharing with our kids the things we love doing (maybe you love music, or fishing, or identifying scats… take your kids along with you next time you do these activities!)
- Seeking out tutors, coaches, and teachers who clearly love the topics they teach
- Asking grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other family members and close friends to share their interests with your kids. You could also go along to support these people in their marathon races, art shows, or chess tournaments.
Knowing and loving.
These two ingredients matter more than the school you choose, or the curriculum you buy, or how many hours of homework your child does.
You do not need to feel inadequate when it comes to supporting your children in their education. As long as you are helping your kids feel valued and exposing them to people who can share the things they love, they will learn. More importantly, they will learn things they are interested in. They will gain an education rooted in curiosity. And they will have the self-confidence to follow their passions.
I'd love to hear your thoughts! How can you place more value on these two key ingredients?
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