Learning zones for students is a place between a comfort zone and a chaos zone. Most students, as well as people, love to stay in their comfort zone. It is safe and predictable. The chaos zone is a place of confusion and anxiety. The learning zone is where we want our children to be as they begin a new school year. Teachers and parents don’t expect students to know everything. New content creates questions and provides opportunities for further exploration.
Teachers and parents encourage students to do their best at school. However, students should not emphasize their performance as they demonstrate what they know. This process hinders real learning. Also, it hinders improvement.
Students need encouragement to concentrate on what they need to master. They need to make mistakes, defend their positions and clarify misunderstandings in order to learn.
Learning Zone Feedback
In addition, students must not focus on the performance of their homework. They must focus on the feedback they receive and learn how to improve and move forward with the learning.
As students receive feedback from teachers, peers and parents, they begin to examine their confusions and further learn.
Reaching the Zone
In order to reach a student’s learning zone, parents must be involved with schools and the student’s learning. Parents must be a partner for a student to reach their fullest potential. Open communication is a must. In addition to involvement, parents must reinforce what is learned throughout the day. Furthermore, teachers must reach out to all parents to keep them involved.
At times, learning can be scary. Both teachers and parents are to develop a safe place for children to take risks while they learn. Usually, students feel free to try new things as long as they feel safe to explore. Furthermore, students must be given many opportunities to take risks. This builds multiple levels of confidence for the student.
Lastly, for students to become lifelong learners, adults must model. Adults must extend their learning experiences through extending their personal and/or professional learning.
