Posts

How to incorporate mindfulness in students? by Dr. Aswathy Rajan

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Incorporating mindfulness into daily activities for students can be a powerful way to help them develop this valuable skill for managing stress and improving focus. Here are some practical ways that teachers can integrate mindfulness into their daily routines in the classroom: 1.     Morning Mindfulness Routine: Start the day with a brief mindfulness exercise. This can be as simple as a few minutes of deep breathing or a short guided meditation to help students transition into a focused and calm state of mind. 2.     Mindful Breathing Breaks: Schedule short mindful breathing breaks throughout the day. Encourage students to take a minute or two to focus on their breath, especially during transitions between subjects or activities.   3.     Mindful Eating: During snack or lunchtime, teach students to eat mindfully. Encourage them to pay attention to the colors, textures, and flavors of their food, as well as ...

How to understand the different learning styles of your students? by Dr. Aswathy Rajan

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  Understanding the different learning styles of your students A single classroom most often contains students with a wide set of learning abilities and styles. It is nearly impossible for teachers to simply use one teaching method and have it be effective for all of their learners.  Teachers are required to think strategically when making lesson plans to cater to all the learning styles in their classrooms. They also have to be flexible while actively teaching, as they make adjustments in real-time based on student performance. This can take a lot of time and effort on the teacher’s end, but the benefits for student performance are unbeatable. People have diverse ways of processing and retaining information, and educators should strive to address these variations to promote inclusive and successful learning experiences. Here are steps teachers can take to understand and cater to different learning styles: 1. Observe Your Students: Pay close attention to how your students...

Do you have SHY students in your class? by Dr Aswathy Rajan

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Do you have SHY students in your class?   Remember They’re Not Doing This on Purpose. Shy students may have too much anxiety that may not allow their brains to appropriately process or recall information. In fact, shy students who are afraid to ask questions can easily fall behind, and if they’re frequently anxious about having to participate in class, they may start engaging in school refusal. Here are 5 effective ways to encourage and support shy students : 1.     Start with Non-Verbal Communication- Eg. Allow students to put a sticky note or another silent indicator on their desks to let you know when they need help. 2.     Use Positive Reinforcement- Show the student that you are noticing what they are doing, you appreciate the effort, and want them to continue the behaviour. 3.     Learn Their Triggers- talk to the student, their parents, the guidance department, or past teachers to...

Are you a teacher who is under performance pressure?...by Dr. Aswathy Rajan

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  Are you a teacher who is under Performance Pressure from School or Parents? Unlike in the past, there is serious competition in the teaching career. Today, a teacher is accountable for the win percentage of the class, individual student growth indicators, and even the disciplinary factors of the class that they handle. Being responsible for several roles other than quality teaching is bound to put a lot of pressure on the teacher. Often, papers pile up, lessons must be planned, and students act out. In conjunction, teachers must adjust to curriculum changes. Not to mention, the added stress of distance learning: getting students to sign in, stay engaged and on-task, and turn in their assignments...or having to develop different types of curriculum for both in-person and online students.  Teachers often feel performance pressure due to several factors. Firstly, they are responsible for shaping young minds and fear the consequences of inadequate teaching. Additionally, their ...

Be authentic in classroom by Dr. Aswathy Rajan

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  Are you Authentic in the Classroom?   Should I feel free to be myself in front of my students or just pretend to be someone else? should we bring our authenticity to a room full of young people? This is the dilemma that many teachers face during their interactions with students. Let’s dig deep! When teachers feel free to be themselves at school, it has a lot of benefits for them and their students. When we bring our true selves to our classrooms, we enhance the learning environment and improve our overall job satisfaction. Here are 3 WAYS TO BE YOURSELF AT SCHOOL 1.    Share your personal life…with boundaries: Tell your family stories occasionally, but be careful to not share information that is not required. For Eg. tell funny toddler stories about your kids, talk about your memorable trip, your hobbies etc. 2.    Feel free to Express yourself: Try verbally labelling your feelings for your students. “I’m frustrated that the clas...

New Possibilities in Education- Immersive Technology by Dr. Aswathy Rajan

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Immersive technology, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), has the potential to revolutionize the field of education and significantly aid teachers in enhancing the learning experience. Here are some ways immersive technology can help teachers: Visualizing complex concepts: Immersive technology allows teachers to create interactive 3D models and simulations, making it easier for students to understand complex concepts in subjects like science, mathematics, and engineering. Experiential learning: Virtual reality can transport students to different places and time periods, providing them with immersive experiences that enhance their understanding of history, geography, and culture. Engaging and interactive lessons: Immersive technology makes lessons more engaging and interactive, capturing students' attention and encouraging active participation in the learning process. Personalized learning: With immersive technology, teachers can...