Bring the Learning to Life

Have you ever stood in front of a classroom, asked a question, and been met with nothing but silence? It’s a tough spot to be in, and it can make the classroom feel like a lifeless space. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s a way to breathe life back into the room and make learning an experience that sticks with students long after they leave your class.

And here are THREE principles you can use as a teacher to move towards the lively, more engaged classroom we all want.  

1. Get to know your students

As students, we understand that there’s a lot on your plate. You’ve got lesson plans to follow, content to cover, and deadlines to meet. But sometimes, it feels like we’re just another item on your checklist. When you’re too focused on the content, it’s easy to forget to look up and see who’s actually in the room.

Getting to know your students isn’t just about learning our names; it’s about understanding where we’re at and what we’re interested in. When you take the time to figure out who we are and what we need, you can adjust your teaching to fit us better. And trust me, we notice when you do this. It makes us feel seen, and it helps us engage more in what you’re teaching. Plus, getting to know us isn’t a one-time thing. The more time you spend with us, the better you’ll understand how to reach us.

2. Show don’t tell

Let’s be real – a lot of classrooms end up being places where we just sit and absorb information. But it doesn’t have to be that way. I’ll never forget a psychology class where instead of just writing the definition of “classical conditioning” on the board, our tutor brought in a spray bottle. Every time he said a certain word, he’d spray a student in the face with water. Eventually, the student started flinching at the word, even without the spray. That simple demonstration made the concept unforgettable.

When teachers go beyond just telling us things and instead involve us in discovering the concepts, the learning sticks. It’s those creative, hands-on moments that make learning come alive and stay with us long after we’ve left the classroom.

3. The questions are more important than the answers

One of the hardest parts about being a student is feeling like asking a question makes you look like you don’t know anything. We’ve been trained to think that having the right answer is what matters most. But the truth is, we’re living in a time where we can find answers to almost anything with a quick search. What really drives our learning is the questions we ask.

When you create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, where questions are valued more than answers, you’re setting us up for real learning. It’s in asking questions that we start to think critically, form our own opinions, and truly engage with the material. Whether it’s getting us to ask each other questions or joining in on our discussions, help us see that the classroom is a space for discovery, not just a place to memorize information.

Bringing Learning to Life

Bringing learning to life isn’t just about making the classroom more fun for us – it’s about turning it into a space where real engagement happens. It’s about seeing us as more than just students and making the classroom a place where teaching and learning is exciting for everyone involved. As you get to know us, involve us in the learning process, and encourage our curiosity. You’re not just teaching – you’re making a difference. And that’s something we’ll carry with us long after we leave your class.