What is Interest-Based Activities & How It Supports Learning?

 Children have an innate drive to learn and an intense interest in following their own interests. Because of these characteristics, interest-based learning (IBL) may be an engaging and successful educational approach. In this way, their natural curiosity in the things that interest them may be channeled into a structured routine of questioning, exploring, and gaining understanding. It is essential that they be "directed." IBL isn't only a method for improving one's hobby; it's a technique for increasing curiosity and discovery. With IBL, students are given a greater say in what they learn and how they learn it. They are inspired to learn actively via the use of IBL. IBL makes use of the way children's brains are structured to make associations between what they already know and what they are learning by eliciting curiosity and prompting students to ask questions.

 

Teachers, parents, and Learning Coaches all have new responsibilities as a result. The basis of the concept is teachers' knowledge of their pupils' passions, gained via observation and discussion. It is also essential for motivating and guiding students to maintain a steady concentration on their studies under the guidance of a mentor. Learning that is tailored to these interests and activities may have profound effects.

 

What Do Studies Reveal About Interest-Based Learning? 

 

With a focus on the individual learner, the learning process becomes cyclical, and students are encouraged to draw from a wide variety of authentic resources. As they grasp one topic and get eager about the next, pupils diverge from the traditional learning trajectory of first learning, storing, and then applying new information. Research supports the beneficial effects of the IBL approach, suggesting that the only limit to learning based on children's interests is the children's capacity to ask questions (under the direction of a Learning Coach or instructor).

 

Well-known educationalist and researcher David Yeager discovered compelling evidence that students pursuing their own curiosity areas performed better on standardised tests. Students were more inclined to persevere through difficult homework if they could see how it related to something they were interested in. Passion-driven education is a blueprint for continuous education. Children are more likely to continue their education into high school and college if they find their studies to be relevant to their interests. They become self-motivated to expand their knowledge since studying itself becomes interesting.

 

Since ODM Public School – the best CBSE school in Odisha, firmly believes that no two kids learn in exactly the same way, the school places a premium on empowering parents to tailor their children's educational experiences to their own strengths and interests. Find out what your students are interested in, get them excited about learning more, and then help them figure out how to learn more about it via interest-based learning. When students actively engage in questioning, they "light up" neural networks involved in processing reinforcement, memory, and motivation. Basically, an earnest desire to study may be stimulated by an individual's natural inquisitiveness.

How to Balance Friendliness with Students without Losing Classroom Control

 It's easy to become too familiar with your pupils, whether you've been teaching for 20 minutes or 20 years. Students in the preteen and adolescent years have an extraordinary knack for picking up on teachers' faltering. Teachers may have fun with their kids without losing control of the classroom if they establish ground rules for behaviour early on.

Remind Them Firmly, But Kindly

Undoubtedly, there are some kids who would interpret my goofy attitude as an invitation to test limits. At times, it's necessary to point out to kids when they've over the line. It's a respectful and encouraging way to convey rigorous standards. If a student is pushing the limits, have a private conversation with them.

Establish Goals in Advance

From our more than three decades of expertise as the best school in Bhubaneswar, we know that establishing ground rules on the first day of class encourages pupils to respect your friendly limits.

Prevent Potential Issues

Students in middle school are a lot of fun, and as a result, teachers often find themselves joining in on the silliness. If you are a middle school teacher concerned about maintaining professional boundaries in your classroom, you may find the following suggestions helpful.

* Limit deep discussions of your private life to superficial matters, including pets, vacations, favourite cuisines and films. Don't let your guard down in the workplace and avoid providing too much personal information.

* When interacting with students on social media, be sure to stick to the rules set forth by your institution. Only communicate with students via your school's designated and monitored email or portal system.

If you're new to teaching, finding this balance takes practice and experience. Have some self-control. Even the most seasoned educators at our best residential school in Bhubaneswar occasionally need to rein in the students. Teachers tend to be affable, outgoing, and interesting people, qualities that some students may mistake for friendship. Without crossing any lines, you can create a respectful and enjoyable classroom environment by clearly articulating and communicating your expectations.

The Importance of Psychology Curriculum for High School Students

High school is a crucial time for kids’ social and emotional development, and gaining an understanding of and practising basic psychological principles early on can help them prepare for the real world. Students get a foundational understanding of the world and its workings, but they also start to grasp the nuanced nature and dynamic history of human behaviour. As one of the best CBSE schools in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, ODM recognises that teaching kids about psychology as part of the required high school curriculum is an excellent way to help them learn important scientific skills, such as how to design, implement, and analyse experiments.

Here we are sharing a few result-proven reasons why every school must introduce a psychology curriculum in the near future and how it can benefit students’ viewpoints.

Helps Understanding How Human Brain Operates

Some students’ cognitive processes may come as a surprise to you. Were they aware that our brains can’t handle more than one task at a time? Or that napping can boost productivity? The study of psychology can help students understand the motivations behind behaviours that, at first glance, appear to be random. Students can gain insight into what drives and motivates people by studying the brain. Students can improve their performance in the classroom, in social situations, and in personal relationships by first learning how the human brain functions.

The Study is Relevant to Life Aspects

Organisational, behavioural, cognitive, sports, and school psychology are all branches of psychology that focus on certain aspects of human experience. To the student, psychology is involved in everything from maintaining motivation to study to mending friendship ties. Students’ ability to comprehend their environment improves in direct proportion to their exposure to and understanding of psychological principles.

Increases Understanding of Human Development and Mental Health

Students who take the time to learn about human development gain a clearer picture of the impact that one’s upbringing has on one’s present and future selves. Students who learn about the factors that contribute to mental illness are better equipped to empathise with those who struggle with it.

By incorporating psychology into the high school curriculum, students will be exposed to a wide range of beneficial, life-changing psychological concepts. If designed by experts, a psychology curriculum combined with high school learning at the best CBSE school in Odisha will help students to acquire the intellectual fortitude necessary to adapt to a dynamic and unpredictable world. For more information on the courses offered at ODM Public School, please visit our website.